Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s proposed 90-day economic relief plan, describing it as a political strategy aimed at winning votes ahead of the 2027 presidential election rather than a credible response to Nigeria’s worsening cost-of-living crisis.
Atiku, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, also questioned the administration’s plans for food affordability, tax harmonisation, household assistance and fuel price reductions, demanding clear implementation details and measurable results.
Speaking through his spokesman and Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, Phrank Shaibu, at a press conference at the party’s secretariat in Abuja on Friday, Atiku accused the government of offering Nigerians fresh promises without adequately addressing the economic hardship experienced over the past three and a half years.
He argued that the 90-day timeline announced by the National Economic Council raised questions about the administration’s intentions because the promised relief would extend beyond the 2027 presidential election.
According to Atiku, Nigerians should evaluate the government based on its record rather than announcements of future interventions.
He said the plan’s focus on food affordability, tax harmonisation, infrastructure completion, removal of investment barriers and household support addressed problems that should have been tackled much earlier.
Atiku also linked the economic crisis to the removal of the petrol subsidy, arguing that the government should have introduced adequate protection for vulnerable households alongside the policy.
He maintained that rising transportation, food and production costs had placed considerable pressure on families, workers and businesses.
Atiku Questions Fuel Discount Scheme
The ADC candidate also challenged the effectiveness of a petrol discount promotion reportedly introduced by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) on October 1.
Shaibu said he visited some NNPC Retail stations where attendants allegedly told him that the advertised discount was unavailable. He claimed he subsequently purchased petrol at ₦1,405 per litre.
Atiku called on the national oil company to disclose the number of motorists who benefited from the promotion, identify participating stations and publish the volume of petrol sold at discounted prices.
He questioned whether the initiative could provide meaningful relief to motorists nationwide, given the number of fuel outlets across the country and the limited value of the reported ₦66-per-litre discount.
The former vice president argued that any relief programme should produce verifiable benefits for consumers rather than rely solely on public announcements.
Demands Details on Five Economic Priorities
Atiku called on the Tinubu administration to provide specific details on how it intended to implement its five economic priorities within the 90-day period.
On food affordability, he asked the government to explain which costs facing farmers, transporters and traders would be reduced, when consumers could expect lower market prices and how the improvements would be sustained after the deadline.
Regarding tax harmonisation, he demanded the publication of a comprehensive tax schedule showing which charges would be removed or consolidated.
He also sought a list of infrastructure projects expected to be completed within the period, including their locations, outstanding costs and projected dates for public use.
On investment, Atiku urged the government to identify the specific barriers it planned to remove, highlighting electricity supply, financing costs and transportation expenses as important concerns for manufacturers and businesses.
He further demanded clarification on the proposed household support programme, including eligibility requirements, payment amounts, funding arrangements and whether assistance would continue after the 90-day period.
Raises Concerns Over Reported Political Registration Form
Atiku also questioned a registration form reportedly circulating under the name “Arise for Tinubu 2027”, which he said requested voter identification, bank details and telephone numbers.
He asked who was collecting the information, how it would be used and whether the exercise was connected to the government’s proposed household assistance programme.
The former vice president warned against requiring Nigerians to provide sensitive personal or financial information to political groups as a condition for receiving public assistance.
However, the statement did not establish that the reported registration exercise was connected to any government-funded relief programme.
Atiku urged the administration to clarify the matter and explain what safeguards were in place to prevent the political misuse of citizens’ personal information.
Challenges Tinubu Over Kaduna Security Incidents
The ADC presidential candidate also criticised Tinubu over his administration’s response to security incidents and natural disasters in Kaduna State, questioning the President’s planned political activities in the state ahead of the 2027 election.
He cited the December 3, 2023, military drone strike on civilians attending a Maulud celebration in Tudun Biri, which he said killed at least 85 people.
Atiku also referenced a reported military airstrike in Giwa in September 2024, which he said killed at least 24 civilians, as well as attacks and abductions affecting communities in Kajuru and Kachia.
He further cited a reported kidnapping incident in Kachia in September 2025 that allegedly affected 152 people, with eight deaths and nine injuries.
The former vice president also referred to severe weather and flooding in Kaduna State, saying storms and floods affected thousands of residents across several local government areas in 2025.
He demanded explanations about assistance provided to victims, investigations into civilian deaths and measures taken to protect communities facing attacks and abductions.
Atiku questioned why the President had not personally visited some affected communities while making political appearances in the state.
He urged the administration to ensure that victims and their families were not used as political backdrops during campaign activities.
Criticises Reported Influencer Campaign
Atiku also faulted the reported plan by Works Minister David Umahi to mobilise 4,000 social media influencers to promote Tinubu’s re-election campaign.
He questioned the administration’s priorities, arguing that greater attention should be directed towards improving living conditions and delivering measurable economic relief.
The criticism formed part of his broader argument that political messaging and campaign activities should not take precedence over addressing the country’s economic challenges.
Atiku Promises Alternative Economic Approach
Atiku said his own economic proposals would focus on disciplined public spending, targeted assistance for vulnerable households and reducing the cost of producing and transporting essential goods.
He maintained that the success of economic policies should be measured by improvements in household purchasing power and access to affordable necessities.
The former vice president concluded by challenging the President to demonstrate whether Nigerians were better off than they were when Tinubu assumed office in May 2023 and whether households would still be able to afford food after the proposed 90-day relief period.
He insisted that Nigerians should demand transparent implementation plans and evidence of lasting improvements before accepting further government promises.
The Presidency’s response to Atiku’s latest criticism was not included in the statement.
