Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has expressed concern over the rising cost of living in Nigeria, stating that citizens are being forced to choose between essential needs such as food and transportation. He made these remarks in a statement issued by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, on Friday, October 2, 2026.
Atiku Abubakar criticized President Bola Tinubu's Independence Day address, saying it failed to reflect the daily struggles of Nigerians facing rising fuel and food prices. He faulted the President for defending policies that have made fuel and other basic necessities increasingly unaffordable, describing fuel subsidies as "addictive". Atiku also questioned Tinubu's claim that salaries and pensions had been paid "on time and in full", citing reports of delays and protests from federal workers and pensioners.
Atiku Abubakar pointed to Germany's decision to cut taxes on petrol and diesel as an example of a government's role in easing household hardship. Germany reduced taxes on petrol and diesel by €0.17 per litre from October to December at an estimated cost of €2.5 billion, resulting in falling pump prices. Atiku emphasized that when fuel prices increase, transportation costs rise, leading to higher food and essential goods prices, and ultimately, hardship for citizens.
The former Vice President stated that his administration would restore targeted, budgeted support for fuel refined in Nigeria, subject to strict auditing, to ensure the benefit translates into lower pump prices. This proposed support would apply only to domestically refined fuel and would be funded by cutting government waste. Measures would be introduced to prevent diversion and price manipulation, ensuring that the support reaches the intended beneficiaries.
Atiku Abubakar expressed empathy for Nigerians struggling to make ends meet, saying, "To every Nigerian forced to choose between feeding a family, paying for transport or meeting another basic need, I am deeply sorry. You did not deserve this hardship." He promised to make life affordable again, citing the potential for lower fuel costs to translate into cheaper transport fares, more affordable goods, and increased disposable income for families.
Atiku Abubakar's statement comes as Nigerians continue to face economic challenges, with rising fuel and food prices affecting households. He emphasized that Nigeria's wealth should ease the burden on its people and promised to create jobs and make life affordable again. Atiku's ADC presidential campaign council has been vocal about the need for government intervention to address the rising cost of living.
Atiku Abubakar's criticism of the Tinubu administration's handling of the economy has sparked a renewed debate about the government's role in addressing the rising cost of living. As Nigerians continue to face economic hardship, the government's response to these challenges will be closely watched. Atiku's proposals for restoring fuel subsidies and cutting government waste aim to provide relief to struggling households.
Key points
- Atiku Abubakar criticizes Tinubu administration over rising cost of living
- Germany cuts fuel taxes to ease household hardship, cited as example by Atiku
- Atiku promises to make life affordable again, proposes restoring fuel subsidies and cutting government waste
