By Emmanuel Thomas l Friday, Sept 18, 2026
ABUJA — Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, GCON, has issued a scathing critique of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic policies, calling on the administration to set aside political pride and urgently implement targeted interventions to reduce petrol prices across the country.
In a strong address focused on fuel prices, palliatives, and the soaring cost of living, Atiku highlighted the relentless economic pressure facing Nigerian households since the administration’s abrupt removal of the petrol subsidy on May 29, 2023.
He stressed that while the government boasts about increased revenues and expanded fiscal allocations, ordinary citizens are suffering from eroded purchasing power and unprecedented inflation.
The Domino Effect of Expensive Energy
Atiku argued that the unmitigated removal of the petrol subsidy created a destructive domino effect that has penetrated every layer of the Nigerian economy.
”For more than three years, that burden has travelled from the petrol station to the bus stop, from the bus stop to the market, and from the market to the family dining table,” Atiku stated. “When petrol becomes expensive, transportation becomes expensive. When transportation becomes expensive, food becomes expensive. In the end, the Nigerian family receives the bill.”
He pointed out that the crisis is no longer a theoretical debate among economists, but an existential struggle for workers, farmers, and business operators. According to Atiku, manufacturers across the country are facing mounting production costs with unsold goods piling up in warehouses due to collapsed consumer demand.
”Is Everyone Ignorant Except the President?”
Addressing President Tinubu directly, Atiku recalled that when he previously suggested responsible government interventions to moderate petrol prices, the President dismissed his proposal as demonstrating “serious ignorance” of governance and economics.
Atiku challenged that assertion, questioning whether key economic stakeholders calling for relief were also ignorant:
Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC): Raising alarms and demanding urgent cushions for suffering workers.
Petroleum Marketers: Advocating for policies that strengthen domestic refining to reduce pump prices.
Nigerian Manufacturers: Warning that energy and power expenses now devour over half of their total operating costs.
Ordinary Nigerians: Unable to afford basic transportation, food, and daily necessities.
”When workers, producers, marketers, and ordinary families are all raising the alarm, government must listen,” Atiku urged.
“If everybody who questions your policy is ignorant, while only the President is presumed to be wise, then we have a leadership problem on our hands.”
With approximately eight months remaining in President Tinubu’s current term, the former Vice President implored the President to show the humility required to confront policy outcomes and the courage to adjust course.
Atiku challenged the administration’s reliance on macroeconomic statistics to claim success, asserting that abstract numbers mean nothing to families who cannot afford daily meals.
”Government celebrates GDP growth, higher revenues, and bigger allocations. But Nigerians judge the economy by what their money can buy,” he stated. “Economic growth must enter the home. It must enter the market basket. It must show up in the purchasing power of the worker.”
In a direct appeal, Atiku called on Tinubu to adopt his proposed economic interventions without fear of political embarrassment.
”Bola Tinubu should not be ashamed to do what is necessary to lower the price of petrol simply because Atiku Abubakar proposed a government intervention,” he said. ”
He should just take the idea. Rename it if he wishes, and even take the credit. What matters to me is that Nigerians pay less.”
