‘Bola copied my economic plan like a dull student; it’s good to attend school’ – Atiku lambasts Tinubu govt

Former Vice-President and African Democratic Congress presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has accused President Bola Tinubu of copying his proposed petroleum production subsidy plan and reducing it to a temporary 30-day petrol discount.

According to Sahara Reporters, Atiku spoke on Friday in Abuja while inaugurating the ADC Presidential Campaign Council ahead of the 2027 election.

“Bola, when I proposed targeted support to ease fuel costs, you called me ignorant of economic policy. Your government said it could not be done. Now, in a desperate and clumsy retreat, you have shamelessly embraced the principle you mocked. You owe me an apology,” he said.

“But more importantly, you owe Nigerians an answer: what happens on day 31?”

Atiku said his proposal would provide sustained support for petroleum products refined and sold in Nigeria, with spending capped, included in the budget and independently audited.

“You copied my production subsidy proposal, stripped away the part that makes it work, and handed Nigerians a 30-day discount. Where is the rest of the answer? Bola, you see why it is good to go to school!” he said.

He described the government’s intervention as inadequate for families, transporters and businesses struggling with high living costs.

“Bola, your 30-day discount is a sugar rush masquerading as economic policy: a fleeting taste of relief at the pump, followed by the same brutal crash when the month ends. Families cannot plan their meals around a temporary discount. Transporters cannot set stable fares on it. Businesses cannot invest or plan for the future on it,” Atiku said.

He also demanded greater transparency in the 2027 elections, including immediate publication of polling-unit results, independent audits of election technology and protection of observers’ rights.

Atiku ultimately called on Tinubu to resign, saying the temporary fuel measure could not erase years of hardship.

“After this latest admission of failure, the honourable thing to do is step down. Nigerians deserve a government that will do the work and make life affordable again.”