Atiku criticizes Tinubu's comparison of Nigerian and Kenyan fuel prices

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticized President Bola Tinubu's recent comparison of Nigeria's fuel prices with those of other African countries. Atiku, through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, stated that Nigerians are economically worse off despite paying less for petrol. This response followed President Tinubu's remarks in Bayelsa State, where he urged Nigerians to be grateful for lower petrol prices compared to countries like Kenya, while acknowledging hardship and promising relief measures. Atiku argued that the comparison was misplaced, failing to consider critical indicators such as purchasing power, income levels, and the overall cost of living. He highlighted that Nigeria is more expensive to live in than Kenya, despite lower fuel prices. Atiku also pointed out that Kenya's GDP per capita is nearly double Nigeria's, and a minimum wage earner in Nairobi earns significantly more than their Nigerian counterpart. He concluded that affordability is determined by the relationship between income and expenditure, and by this measure, Nigerians have never faced worse economic conditions. Atiku expressed disappointment that the President chose "statistical convenience" while citizens grapple with rising poverty, inflation, and declining living standards.