By Ayodele Oni
Opposition voices have continued to criticize the 30-day petrol discount relief announced by the Federal Government to cushion high cost of transportation in the country.
Some have perceived the measure as the return of oil subsidy regime, which President Bola Tinubu abolished on the first day of his administration, while the federal government has assuaged their mind, insisting that it was just a temporary relief measure.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has joined voice arguing that the temporary measure cannot compensate Nigerians for years of economic hardship.
Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), pointed out that the rising cost of food, transportation, electricity and business operations required sustainable solutions rather than short-term relief.
He made the remarks in Abuja during the inauguration of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, where he challenged the Tinubu administration to explain how it intended to ease the economic burden on Nigerians beyond the 30-day discount period.
“Thirty days cannot erase three and a half years of hardship. Nigerians have heard your excuses and endured your failed promises. They are ready to judge your record.”
The former vice president also accused Tinubu of embracing the principle behind his proposed production subsidy after previously rejecting the idea.
Atiku maintained that his proposal was designed to support petroleum products refined locally and sold within Nigeria, with clearly defined limits, budgetary provisions and independent auditing mechanisms.
“When I proposed targeted support to ease fuel costs, you called me ignorant of economic policy.
“Your government said it could not be done. Now, in a desperate and clumsy retreat, you have shamelessly embraced the principle you mocked. You owe me an apology.”
Explaining his alternative, Atiku said government support should be restricted to locally refined petroleum products, with transparent accounting to ensure Nigerians could verify the cost of the intervention and the benefits they received.
He also advocated measures to reduce food prices, improve electricity supply, generate employment, support businesses and strengthen security on roads and farms.
According to him, economic policies should produce measurable improvements in the living conditions of households rather than offer temporary relief without addressing underlying challenges.
Atiku called on Tinubu to resign, insisting that the temporary petrol discount could not erase the economic difficulties Nigerians had experienced under his government.
“After this latest admission of failure, the honourable thing to do is step down. Nigerians deserve a government that will do the work and make life affordable again,” he said.
Addressing members of the campaign council, Atiku urged them to take the party’s message to markets, motor parks, farms, universities and communities across the country.
He asked them to explain the ADC’s policy proposals to Nigerians and demonstrate how the party intended to finance its plans.
Atiku described the 2027 general election as a critical contest over the welfare of Nigerian families, urging voters to support the opposition party.
“Another four years of Bola Tinubu means another four years of hunger, hardship and national decline,” he added.
The ADC presidential candidate also called for electoral reforms aimed at strengthening transparency and protecting the integrity of votes.
His proposals included immediate public access to polling-unit results, live broadcasts of state and national collation proceedings, and independent audits of election technology before and after elections.
He further advocated the establishment of an independent commission to investigate and prosecute electoral offences, alongside tougher penalties for vote suppression, result manipulation and electoral fraud.
Atiku also accused some APC-controlled governments of restricting opposition campaigns, citing an alleged attempt to prevent an opposition candidate from campaigning in Benue State.
“There will be no ‘no-go’ areas in Nigeria. Opposition members are citizens with the constitutional right to move freely, express their views and campaign anywhere in the country.”
He vowed that the ADC would campaign nationwide and challenge any attempt to obstruct its candidates through lawful means.
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