Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has proposed targeted financial support for petroleum products refined in Nigeria, promising to reduce the burden of rising fuel prices on households if elected president.
Atiku, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, also criticised President Bola Tinubu’s handling of insecurity, accusing his administration of failing to adequately address killings, kidnappings and attacks on communities.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, Atiku faulted Tinubu’s defence of petrol subsidy removal, arguing that the policy had worsened the economic difficulties confronting millions of Nigerians.
He was reacting to Tinubu’s comparison of calls for fuel subsidy relief with asking Moses to return to Egypt, describing the president’s remarks as insensitive to families battling rising food and transportation costs.
“You are the Egypt Nigerians are desperate to escape. You celebrate the day you made fuel more expensive, then lecture families struggling to pay for food and transport about why they must never go back,” Atiku said.
The former vice-president accused Tinubu of using biblical references to deflect attention from the economic consequences of his policies.
“At least Pharaoh knew he was holding people captive. Tinubu watches families cut meals, workers spend their salaries on transport, and businesses struggle to keep their lights on, then tells them a story about Moses,” he added.
Atiku Outlines Fuel Price Relief Proposal
Atiku said his proposed approach would provide limited, budgeted support exclusively for verified petroleum products refined locally and sold to Nigerian consumers.
“My proposal is clear: give limited, budgeted support only to verified petroleum products refined in Nigeria and sold to Nigerians,” he said.
He explained that imported petroleum products would not qualify for the proposed intervention, while independent auditors would monitor expenditure to prevent abuse and ensure that consumers benefit directly.
“Imported fuel gets nothing. Independent auditors must track every naira, and the benefit must reach consumers in the price they pay. If it does not lower that price, it has failed its purpose,” Atiku stated.
The proposal comes amid continued debate over the economic consequences of petrol subsidy removal and the measures needed to ease the cost of living.
Atiku Challenges Tinubu Over Insecurity
The ADC candidate also challenged Tinubu’s administration over the persistent security challenges facing the country, arguing that the president should be held accountable for the situation under his leadership.
Atiku referenced comments attributed to Abdulaziz Yari, Tinubu’s campaign director-general, who questioned what the president could do about insecurity when former President Muhammadu Buhari, a retired general, had failed to eliminate the problem.
Countering the argument, Atiku cited the administration of former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, saying his lack of a military background did not prevent him from taking action against insecurity.
“Let me remind them that President Yar’Adua was not a sergeant, yet he stamped it out,” he said.
Atiku maintained that Nigerians expected the president to confront armed groups, rescue abducted citizens and improve security on highways, farmlands and in vulnerable communities.
“If Tinubu cannot tell them how he will do that after more than three years in office, he has no business asking for four more years,” he said.
He further argued that deaths recorded during Tinubu’s administration should not be excused by reference to the performance of previous governments.
“The lives lost under his watch are not an argument about his predecessor. They are an indictment of his own leadership,” Atiku stated.
The former vice-president said Nigerians deserved affordable fuel, safer communities and improved welfare for security personnel.
“For millions of Nigerians, Egypt is the hunger, fear and indignity they are living through under you,” he added.
