2027: Atiku tackles Tinubu over fuel price

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticized President Bola Tinubu's stance on reducing energy costs, accusing the administration of economic hardship that has lasted for years. Atiku's spokesperson, Phrank Shaibu, stated that the issue was not about a personal rivalry between Atiku and Tinubu, but about the struggle millions of Nigerians face to afford basic necessities.

Shaibu emphasized that Atiku would not engage in a direct confrontation with the president but would continue to defend policies aimed at alleviating the cost of living. He highlighted the challenges faced by ordinary Nigerians, including mothers struggling to feed their children, civil servants whose salaries vanish into transportation costs, farmers bearing the brunt of higher production expenses, and students drowning in debt to stay in school.

Shaibu questioned why the government was now promising relief measures, such as cheaper transportation, increased food production, and support for vulnerable citizens, only after more than three years of hardship. He argued that reducing energy costs would have a broader impact on the economy by lowering transportation and production costs, ultimately leading to lower prices for essential goods.

The Atiku Economic Recovery Plan would involve targeted support for crude oil refined domestically under a capped and transparent budget.