The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Atiku Abubakar, has urged President Bola Tinubu to adopt his proposed intervention to reduce the price of petrol and ease the economic burden on Nigerians.
Atiku made the call on Friday during a world press conference at his residence in Abuja, where he renewed his criticism of the government’s petrol pricing policy and called for measures to alleviate the hardship faced by households, workers and businesses.
The former Vice President urged Tinubu to use what he described as the remaining eight months of his administration to provide relief to Nigerians.
“That is why I am calling on Tinubu to act now. He has approximately eight months remaining in office.
“Tinubu should not be ashamed to do what is necessary to lower the price of petrol simply because Atiku Abubakar proposed a government intervention.
“He should just take the idea, rename it if he wishes, and even take the credit. What matters to me is that Nigerians pay less.
“A sensible idea does not become a bad idea because it came from your opponent. If responsible intervention can lower prices, intervene. If changing course can help Nigerians’ families change course for God’s sake.
“Nigerians do not need another elaborate palliative economy. Do not make life unbearable,” Atiku said.
Atiku argued that the effects of high petrol prices extend beyond filling stations, affecting transportation, food prices, businesses and household purchasing power. He said economic policies should ultimately be measured by their impact on the daily lives of Nigerians.
He also criticised reliance on palliatives as a long-term response to economic hardship, arguing that government intervention should instead address the underlying causes of rising costs.
Atiku further offered to provide the Tinubu administration with his policy framework if it could help reduce the burden on Nigerians, saying the government could implement the proposal and take credit for it.
The ADC candidate also outlined a proposed production subsidy for petroleum products refined in Nigeria if elected president in 2027. According to him, the proposal would be targeted at locally refined products and would include spending limits, National Assembly approval and independent audits.
His latest comments come amid renewed public concern over petrol prices and the wider cost of living, with Atiku continuing to call for government measures aimed at reducing the pressure on Nigerian households and businesses.
