Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has challenged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to use the remaining period of his administration to reduce the economic burden facing Nigerians.
Atiku made the call during a World Press Conference in Abuja on Friday, as he criticised the Federal Government’s economic policies and argued that households and businesses were continuing to struggle with rising costs.
Addressing the President directly, Atiku said Tinubu had approximately eight months remaining in office and should use the period to provide immediate relief to Nigerians.
“You have eight months to leave office, Bola. Use those eight months to give Nigerians relief from the hardship created by you,” Atiku said.
Atiku proposes immediate economic relief
The ADC candidate used the press conference to renew his call for policies aimed at reducing the prices of petrol, electricity and other essential goods.
He particularly criticised the removal of the petrol subsidy and reiterated his proposal for what he described as a production subsidy for locally refined petroleum products.
Atiku argued that government intervention should focus on supporting domestic production while ensuring that consumers benefit through lower prices.
He said the government could adopt his proposal without giving him political credit for it.
“Take the idea, rename it if you wish, and even take the credit. What matters to me is that Nigerians pay less,” he said.
‘Nigerians do not have to wait’
Atiku said Nigerians should not have to wait for another administration before benefiting from policies that could provide economic relief.
He offered to make his policy ideas and technical input available to the Federal Government if they could help reduce the pressure on households and businesses.
The former vice-president said political competition should not prevent governments from adopting policies that could improve Nigerians’ welfare.
“I am prepared to compete with you politically. But I will never compete with the welfare of the Nigerian people,” he said.
Tinubu administration faces economic debate
The comments form part of Atiku’s continuing criticism of the Tinubu administration’s economic reforms, particularly the petrol subsidy removal and its consequences for transportation, food prices and household purchasing power.
The Tinubu administration has defended the subsidy removal as a necessary reform and has argued that the policy is intended to free government resources for other areas of development.
Atiku, however, maintains that the immediate burden on Nigerians requires stronger intervention.
The disagreement over the direction of economic policy is expected to remain a major issue in the political debate ahead of the 2027 presidential election.