Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has accused President Bola Tinubu of adopting his proposed production subsidy model but failing to implement the key components, describing the Federal Government’s 30-day petrol discount as inadequate relief for Nigerians.
Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), made the allegation on Friday in Abuja during the inauguration of the party’s Presidential Campaign Council.
His remarks followed the Federal Government’s announcement of a 30-day fuel discount on Thursday, which he said fell short of the economic relief proposal he had earlier offered to share with the President.
“You copied my production subsidy proposal, stripped away the part that makes it work, and handed Nigerians a 30-day discount,” Atiku alleged.
The former vice-president recalled that he had offered to share his economic relief plan with Tinubu during his last press conference, arguing that the government could have adopted the proposal in the national interest.
He, however, expressed satisfaction that the administration had acknowledged the shortcomings of its economic approach.
“I am glad you have finally acknowledged the failure of your approach,” he said, adding that his proposal was motivated by concern for the welfare of Nigerians.
Atiku criticised the petrol discount, describing it as deceptive in view of the rising cost of living experienced by citizens over the past three and a half years.
“Now you offer a ₦50 petrol discount for 30 days and expect applause for returning a fraction of what Nigerians have lost?
“How can you make daily life unbearable for years and expect one month of token relief to wipe the record clean?” Atiku said.
Beyond the economy, the ADC presidential candidate called for reforms to strengthen the credibility and transparency of Nigeria’s electoral process.
He demanded that political parties and election observers be allowed to verify election results, while state and national collation centres should broadcast their proceedings live.
“We also demand independent audits of election technology before and after elections, an independent commission to investigate and prosecute electoral offenses, electoral institutions whose transparent processes command public confidence, and severe penalties for vote suppression, result tampering and fraud.
“These are not threats to democracy; they are safeguards for the people’s mandate,” he said.
