Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s economic and security policies, describing his administration as “the Egypt Nigerians are desperate to escape” over the rising cost of living following the removal of the petrol subsidy.
Atiku argued that Tinubu’s comparison of fuel subsidy relief to asking Moses to return to Egypt failed to reflect the difficulties Nigerians face in paying for food, transport and other basic necessities.
The former vice president’s position was conveyed in a statement issued on Tuesday by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Presidential Campaign Council.
Atiku also criticised the Federal Government’s handling of insecurity and police welfare, arguing that Tinubu should address the country’s challenges before seeking re-election.
“Bola, you are the Egypt Nigerians are desperate to escape. You celebrate the day you made fuel more expensive, then lecture families struggling to pay for food and transport about why they must never go back,” he said.
On fuel pricing, Atiku proposed a targeted support scheme for verified petroleum products refined locally, with funding restricted to eligible products and independently monitored to ensure consumers benefit from lower prices.
“My proposal is clear: give limited, budgeted support only to verified petroleum products refined in Nigeria and sold to Nigerians. Imported fuel gets nothing. Independent auditors must track every naira, and the benefit must reach consumers in the price they pay,” he said.
The ADC presidential candidate also faulted attempts to attribute the country’s security challenges to the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, insisting that Tinubu must take responsibility for killings, abductions and attacks recorded during his tenure.
Atiku referred to comments by Tinubu’s campaign Director-General questioning what the President could do about insecurity when Buhari, a retired general, had failed to eliminate the problem.
He countered the argument by citing the administration of former President Umaru Yar’Adua, whom he said had addressed security challenges despite not having a military background.
“Nigerians expect their President to confront the killers, rescue the abducted and make it possible to travel, farm, work and sleep without fear,” Atiku said.
He maintained that the security difficulties inherited by Tinubu could not excuse the current administration’s shortcomings, adding that the President needed to explain how he intended to tackle the crisis.
Atiku further questioned the welfare of serving and retired police officers, citing the case of a retired Assistant Superintendent of Police who allegedly told him that he received a monthly pension of N29,000.
He also alleged that some serving officers were relying on their pension savings to support their families, calling on the President to take action on the Police Exit Bill and review police salaries, healthcare provision and retirement benefits.
“Give the people who protect Nigerians the pay, healthcare and retirement security their service has earned,” he said.
The former vice president said Nigerians deserved affordable energy, safer communities and improved welfare for security personnel. He also pledged to reverse what he described as the economic hardship caused by the Tinubu administration.
“Tinubu made life expensive. I will make life affordable again,” Atiku said.
