Atiku Critiques Tinubu's Economic Policies Amid Price Hikes

Atiku Abubakar, the 2027 presidential candidate for the African Democratic Congress, launched a critique of President Bola Tinubu's economic management, accusing him of undermining household incomes and causing financial distress for Nigerians. Phrank Shaibu, Atiku's Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, stated that despite favorable economic data, the reality for many Nigerians is dire.

He highlighted the removal of the fuel subsidy and significant price increases: fertiliser rose from about N9,000 to N50,000, petrol from N199 to N1,400 per litre, cement from N4,000 to N13,500 a bag, and the dollar exchange rate from N450 to N1,400. Atiku illustrated the impact of rising costs on local economies using the example of a woman selling frozen food in Kubwa.

He defended his proposed Production Subsidy aimed at supporting domestic refining and lowering costs, citing the Crude Oil Refinery Owners Association of Nigeria's call for such support. Atiku questioned the government's reluctance to assist ordinary Nigerians while providing incentives to multinational firms.