Former Vice-President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of worsening the cost of living crisis in Nigeria.
Atiku said the government’s economic policies had made petrol, food, transportation, fertiliser, cement and other basic necessities increasingly unaffordable for Nigerians.
In a statement issued on Sunday by Phrank Shaibu, his senior special assistant on public communication, Atiku cited rising prices of fertiliser, petrol and cement as evidence of the economic pressure facing households and businesses.
“Tinubu did not inherit this cost of living crisis from Nigerians. His policies created and deepened it,” Atiku said.
The former vice-president also criticised the Tinubu administration for opposing his proposed petrol subsidy, which he said was designed to support domestic production and reduce the financial burden on Nigerians.
“This is why my production subsidy is about putting money back into people’s pockets. Support what we produce and refine here, increase supply, monitor the price and make sure Nigerians feel the benefit at the pump,” he said.
Atiku said Nigerians needed immediate economic relief rather than further appeals for patience.
“Nigerians have now seen what Tinubu’s economics means in their daily lives: higher fuel prices, higher food prices, higher transport costs, weaker businesses and emptier pockets. They do not need another lecture on patience. They need relief,” he said.
He said the choice before Nigerians was between continuing with an economy that takes more from citizens and building one that puts money back into their pockets.
Atiku further promised that, if elected president, his administration would create jobs and reduce the cost of living.
He said Tinubu had “made life expensive” for Nigerians but pledged to reverse the situation if given the opportunity to lead the country.
