Presidential candidate for the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar has accused President Bola Tinubu of being out of touch with Nigerians struggling with high fuel prices.
According to the party, the rising transport costs and the increasing cost of basic necessities followed the removal of fuel subsidy.
Atiku said Tinubu’s comparison of the relief Nigerians received from subsidy removal to asking Moses to return to Egypt failed to reflect the difficulties faced by families trying to afford food, transportation and other daily needs.
In a statement on Tuesday issued by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Presidential Campaign Council, Atiku described Tinubu as “the Egypt Nigerians are desperate to escape.”
“Bola, you are the Egypt Nigerians are desperate to escape. You celebrate the day you made fuel more expensive, then lecture families struggling to pay for food and transport about why they must never go back,” Atiku said.
The former vice-president argued that the government should introduce targeted support to reduce the cost of locally refined petroleum products rather than leave Nigerians to bear the full burden of high fuel prices.
“My proposal is to provide limited, budgeted support only for verified petroleum products refined in Nigeria and sold to Nigerians, exclude imported fuel, and ensure independent auditors track every naira so consumers benefit through lower prices,” Atiku said.
Atiku also criticised the Tinubu administration over insecurity.
“The President must take responsibility for the killings, abductions and attacks recorded under his administration rather than shift the blame to his predecessor,” Atiku said.
He referred to a comment by Tinubu’s campaign Director-General questioning what the President could do about insecurity when former President Muhammadu Buhari, a retired general, had failed to eliminate it.
Atiku countered that former President Umaru Yar’Adua had addressed security challenges despite not having a military background.
“Nigerians expect their President to confront the killers, rescue the abducted and make it possible to travel, farm, work and sleep without fear,” he said.
'Tinubu is the Egypt Nigerians are desperate to escape' - Atiku