Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC Atiku Abubakar has criticized Federal Government’s announcement of a 30-day petrol discount at stations operated by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL.
Atiku described the planned intervention as a “panic-driven publicity stunt”, arguing that a one-month discount could not resolve the deeper crisis caused by high petrol prices and the rising cost of living.
Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, on Thursday, said Atiku accused the administration of offering Nigerians temporary relief after years of rising living costs.
He also alleged that the timing of the measure was politically motivated, particularly with the 2027 general election approaching.
“Atiku totally rejects this calendar-scheduled, election-laced subsidy package,” the statement said, quoting the former vice president.
Atiku questioned what would happen when the 30-day period expires, arguing that Nigerians would then return to the same high petrol prices, transport fares and food costs.
“What happens on Day 31?” he asked, adding that Nigerians would still face “the same brutal prices, the same punishing transport fares and the same rising cost of food.”
He also questioned the scope and effectiveness of the proposed intervention, noting that it would initially apply to NNPCL stations.
According to Atiku, the government has yet to disclose the amount motorists would actually save per litre or explain how it would ensure that transport operators pass the savings on to passengers through reduced fares.
He described the intervention as a temporary response to a crisis he said was partly created by government policies.
Atiku also reiterated his proposal for capped and budgeted production support tied to petrol refined in Nigeria, with safeguards to ensure that consumers benefit while domestic refining is supported.
“This volte-face proves that the production-support proposal I have advanced is workable, achievable and not complicated,” he said.
The former vice president maintained that Nigerians needed a lasting solution rather than temporary relief.
“Nigerians need lasting relief, not a countdown to the return of hardship. Tinubu’s government cannot spend years telling Nigerians to endure, then offer 30 days of relief and call it a solution,” he said.
