Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress presidential candidate for the 2027 election, Atiku Abubakar, has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies, arguing that Nigerians are yet to experience the prosperity promised by the administration.
Atiku spoke in an Independence Day address delivered on Thursday at the ADC national headquarters in Abuja to commemorate Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
The former vice president said the country was facing a severe cost-of-living crisis, with many households struggling to afford food, healthcare, transportation and other basic necessities.
He challenged Tinubu’s claim that the economy had entered an era of prosperity, arguing that improvements in some economic indicators had not translated into better living conditions for ordinary Nigerians.
“Today, Bola Tinubu told us that the ‘emergency treatment is over’ and the ‘age of prosperity’ has begun. A President may announce a new chapter in a speech. He cannot announce food onto a family’s table or money into a worker’s pocket,” Atiku said.
He also faulted the removal of the petrol subsidy, saying the policy had contributed to higher transportation and food costs. He questioned the government over the benefits of the subsidy savings promised to Nigerians.
Atiku further criticised the administration over insecurity, saying farmers, schoolchildren and families remained vulnerable to attacks, kidnappings and ransom demands. He argued that government’s primary responsibilities included making life affordable and protecting citizens.
The ADC candidate also questioned the government’s claims on inflation, economic growth, student loans, cash transfers and budget implementation, insisting that official economic statistics should be matched with improvements in the daily lives of Nigerians.
On his own proposed economic programme, Atiku said an ADC administration would introduce a capped and budgeted production subsidy for verified petrol refined locally, including products from modular refineries.
He said the proposed measure would be accompanied by publication of costs, independent audits and measures to reduce government waste, arguing that locally produced fuel should translate into lower prices for consumers.
Atiku also raised concerns over public debt, saying Nigerians should be told what previous borrowings had achieved before the government contracted additional loans.
He promised that, if elected, his administration would prioritise affordability, security, healthcare, education and accountability in public spending.
The former vice president also called for respect for citizens’ political rights, including the freedom to criticise government and participate peacefully in political activities.
He urged Nigerians to scrutinise the programmes and promises of all candidates ahead of the 2027 elections, including himself, and to protect the integrity of their votes.
Atiku said the 2027 election would provide Nigerians with an opportunity to determine the direction of the country through the ballot, declaring that his party would seek to bring about a change of government through democratic means.
He concluded by wishing Nigerians a happy Independence Day and praying for the progress of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
