Atiku Abubakar criticizes President Tinubu over fuel price and economic hardship
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has responded to President Bola Tinubu's criticism of proposals to reduce energy costs, accusing the administration of causing economic hardship for Nigerians and only promising relief as the 2027 elections approach. Through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku stated that the core issue is the inability of millions of Nigerians to afford basic necessities, not a personal contest with Tinubu. Shaibu emphasized that Atiku would continue to advocate for policies aimed at reducing the cost of living, focusing on the struggles of ordinary Nigerians. The statement questioned why the administration is now promising economic relief after more than three years of hardship, particularly regarding cheaper transportation and increased food production. Atiku's Economic Recovery Plan proposes targeted support for Nigerian crude supplied for domestic refining under a capped and transparently budgeted framework, which would include tracking crude, monitoring refined products, and a consumer pass-through mechanism to ensure benefits reach consumers. The plan aims to reduce fuel costs, thereby lowering transportation and production costs, and ultimately reducing the prices of food and other essential goods.
