African Democratic Congress presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s defense of fuel subsidy removal, accusing the administration of failing to respond adequately to the hardship facing Nigerian households and businesses.
In a statement issued through his campaign’s Director of Strategic Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku challenged the President’s use of a biblical comparison involving Moses and Egypt. He argued that the government should focus on explaining how it would reduce the cost of food, transport and energy.
Atiku proposed limited, budgeted support for verified petroleum products refined in Nigeria and sold domestically, with independent auditing to ensure that any subsidy reached consumers through lower pump prices. He said imported fuel should not qualify under the proposal.
The opposition candidate also attacked the administration’s record on insecurity, saying Nigerians expected practical action to protect communities, rescue abducted people and make travel and farming safer. He rejected attempts to explain present security problems solely by reference to earlier administrations.
Atiku additionally called for improvements in police salaries, pensions, healthcare and retirement benefits, arguing that officers could not be expected to serve effectively without adequate welfare provisions.
His remarks formed part of a political campaign argument. The proposed fuel support system and welfare reforms would require detailed financing, eligibility and implementation plans before their potential impact could be assessed.
