Atiku tells Tinubu to resign over economic struggles and petrol discount blunder

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has blamed President Bola Tinubu for making Nigeria's economic situation worse. He called the federal government's plan for a 30-day petrol discount an admission of failure and a weak response to the high cost of living.

Atiku, who is the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the 2027 election, said the short-term relief would not make up for years of increasing food prices, transport costs, energy bills, and falling purchasing power under Tinubu's government.

He spoke on Friday during the opening of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja. There, he shared his economic plans and urged Nigerians to vote Tinubu out in the January 2027 election.

“Bola Tinubu has had more than three years to improve our lives. What has he given us? A bag of food that costs more each time we go to the market. A journey to work that eats up our salaries. A business that cannot keep its lights on. A farm we may be too afraid to visit,” Atiku said.

He claimed that the government had forced painful changes on Nigerians but failed to provide enough relief. He accused the president of wanting credit for a temporary measure after years of rising living costs.

“Bola, your government has made life unbearable and called it reform. You have demanded painful sacrifices from the people while you, your family, and friends are junketing all over the place,” he said.

Atiku questioned the timing and long-term effects of the proposed petrol discount. He said a 30-day measure would not fix the deeper issues raising the prices of goods and services.

He challenged the government to explain what would happen when the discount ends. This is critical for commuters, farmers, traders, and manufacturers who feel the impact of petrol prices.

“More importantly, you owe Nigerians an answer: what happens on day 31?” he asked.

Atiku also accused Tinubu's government of taking his idea for a production subsidy after criticizing it before. He said the way they are implementing it removes its intended benefits.

He explained that his proposal would support petroleum products refined in Nigeria and sold locally. This support would be limited, included in the national budget, and monitored by independent audits.

“My production subsidy proposal is a lasting, targeted plan. Yours is a temporary palliative dressed up as a solution,” he said.

He argued that supporting locally refined petroleum products would boost local refining, reduce reliance on imports, and lessen the fuel cost burden on transport, food production, and businesses.

Atiku called for transparency about the cost of the intervention and the savings it brings. He insisted that imported finished petroleum products should not be included in the subsidy.

“Support petroleum products actually refined in Nigeria and sold to Nigerians. Cap the support. Put it in the budget. Audit it independently. Exclude imports. Show the public what it costs and what they save,” he said.

He stated that his economic relief plan goes beyond just petrol prices. He said a government that wants to improve lives must also make food affordable, provide reliable electricity, create jobs, secure roads and farms, and remove barriers for young entrepreneurs.

“A speech about growth means nothing to a family that cannot afford dinner,” he said.

Atiku accused the president of not taking responsibility for the economic problems created by his policies. He said the rising petrol costs, decreasing purchasing power, and business closures are issues the government must fix instead of blaming past administrations.

He urged his campaign council to bring the party’s economic plans to markets, motor parks, farms, campuses, and communities across Nigeria. He said members must explain what the party aims to do and how it plans to fund these actions.

He described the 2027 election as a “rescue mission.” He urged eligible voters to use their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to demand a change in government.

“Another four years of Bola Tinubu means another four years of hunger, hardship and national decline,” he said.

Atiku ended his remarks by calling on Tinubu to step down. He argued that the proposed 30-day petrol discount cannot erase the economic hardship Nigerians have faced during Tinubu's rule.

“Bola, thirty days cannot erase three and a half years of hardship. Nigerians have heard your excuses and endured your failed promises. They are ready to judge your record. After this latest admission of failure, the honourable thing to do is step down. Nigerians deserve a government that will do the work and make life affordable again.”