Atiku questions Tinubu’s prosperity claim, says Nigerians can barely afford to live

Politics

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has questioned the level of progress outlined by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his Independence Day address, arguing that millions of Nigerians are still struggling with the rising cost of living.

In a statement reacting to the President’s address, the former Vice-President said Tinubu had declared the beginning of an “age of prosperity”, but argued that the reality facing many Nigerians was different.

Under the heading, “Bola Tinubu calls it prosperity, but Nigerians can barely afford to live,” Atiku said millions of Nigerians, 66 years after independence, were still struggling to afford basic necessities, including food, healthcare and transportation.

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“My fellow Nigerians, sixty-six years after independence, millions are fighting for things a free country should never put beyond their reach: food on the table, a wage that lasts the month, and a safe journey home,” he said.

Atiku alleged that families were skipping meals, delaying medical treatment and borrowing money to survive until payday, while the government continued to ask Nigerians for more patience and sacrifice.

He criticised the removal of fuel subsidy, saying the government had failed to provide adequate protection for families affected by the resulting economic shock.

“Tinubu removed fuel subsidy without credible protection for the families who would bear the shock. He promised the savings would benefit Nigerians. Three years later, the pain has an address in every home. Bola, where is the benefit?” he asked.

On insecurity, Atiku said armed groups had killed thousands and displaced families from their communities, arguing that affordability and security remained two of the most important concerns for Nigerians.

“A speech about prosperity is not prosperity,” he said.

Atiku challenges Tinubu over prosperity claim

Atiku also challenged the President to demonstrate how the claimed economic progress had translated into improved living conditions.

“Today, Tinubu declared that 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,” he said.

He cited changes in the purchasing power of wages and the prices of basic commodities to support his argument.

According to Atiku, a ₦30,000 minimum wage in April 2023 could buy about 118 litres of petrol, while ₦70,000 could buy about 50 litres at the time of his statement.

He also cited an increase in the average price of an egg from about ₦88 in April 2023 to ₦261 in May 2026, while saying a sliced loaf of bread that cost about ₦500 previously now cost about ₦2,000 for a smaller loaf.

“A slower rise in prices does not restore what families have lost. Growth must improve lives; it cannot be a certificate of success government awards itself while citizens struggle to survive,” Atiku said.

He added: “If 2023 was the illness, why does your ‘cure’ buy less?”

Atiku proposes production subsidy, demands accountability

Atiku said an ADC-led administration would prioritise making basic necessities more affordable, working with his running mate and other partners in the party.

He proposed a capped and budgeted production subsidy tied to verified fuel refined in Nigeria, including modular refineries, while imported petrol would not qualify.

According to him, the proposed arrangement would be designed to ensure that the benefit reached consumers through lower pump prices, with costs and payments published and independently audited.

Atiku also raised concerns over Nigeria’s public debt, citing a figure of ₦166.79 trillion as of the end of June.

“Before borrowing another dollar in the people’s name, government must name the projects, show what they cost, and say who benefited and who was paid,” he said.

He also challenged the government to publish details of the promised reduction in transport fares from October 1, including the affected routes, previous and new fares and the number of beneficiaries.

“Nigerians cannot board an announcement,” he said.

“Produce here. Refine here. Create jobs here. Pay less here.”

Atiku promises different political and economic course

Atiku said an ADC administration would place affordability and protection of lives at the centre of government policy.

“From my first day in office, I will put affordability and the protection of life at the centre of government. We will begin bringing down the costs of food, fuel and power, improve access to healthcare and education, and restore security to communities living in fear,” he said.

He also linked economic reform to political freedoms, saying Nigerians should be free to question their leaders, organise peacefully and demand political change.

“Our independence also demands political freedom. Nigerians must be free to question their leaders, organise peacefully and demand change. A political slogan on a shirt must never become a reason to imprison a Nigerian,” he said.

On elections, Atiku said he would respect the independence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), support prompt publication of results from polling units and enforce penalties against vote-buying and electoral malpractice regardless of political affiliation.

“I will respect INEC’s independence, support prompt publication of results from every polling unit, and insist that anyone caught buying votes or changing results faces the law, even if that person belongs to my party,” he said.

Atiku concluded by urging Nigerians to use their votes to determine the country’s political direction in the 2027 elections.

“Our founders did not win sovereignty so that a few could prosper while millions merely survive. Through the peaceful power of our votes, we can choose a different course,” he said.

He ended with a direct political call: “Tinubu must go.”