A recent survey conducted by SBM Intelligence has revealed that a significant majority of Nigerians are opposed to President Bola Tinubu's fuel policy. According to the survey, 67.4% of respondents want the petrol subsidy back, indicating widespread dissatisfaction with the current policy. Atiku Abubakar, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, has seized on the survey results to criticize Tinubu's policy, describing it as a "damning public verdict" on the administration.
Atiku Abubakar stated that the survey result represents a growing majority of Nigerians who have rejected Tinubu's economic philosophy. He noted that the 67.4% figure is more than an economic statistic, but a reflection of the suffering of Nigerian families who can no longer afford basic necessities like food and transportation. Atiku's statement, released by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Mr. Phrank Shaibu, emphasized that the survey is no longer just about economic policy but a democratic question.
The SBM survey also revealed that 32.4% of rural respondents identified petrol as their primary concern, compared to 11.7% in urban areas. Furthermore, petrol emerged as the leading concern in the South-West, at 30.5%, and the South-South, at 29.1%, indicating that the suffering caused by Tinubu's fuel policy cuts across geography, ethnicity, and political affiliation. Atiku Abubakar argued that these findings demonstrate that the policy has caused far more harm than good and must be rejected.
Atiku Abubakar criticized President Tinubu for removing the subsidy without a plan, condemning millions of Nigerians to unprecedented hardship. He stated that Tinubu had no credible plan for domestic refining, mass transportation, wage protection, or support for small businesses that depend on affordable energy. Atiku claimed that warnings about the potential consequences of this approach were ignored, and now the Nigerian people are delivering their verdict.
The ADC presidential candidate also accused the present administration of hiding behind manipulated statistics, propaganda, and exaggerated claims about its Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) programme. Atiku emphasized that Nigerians do not benefit from GDP figures or presidential promises, but rather from policies that improve their lives. He contrasted his approach with Tinubu's, stating that he believes in protecting citizens, strengthening domestic production, and shielding vulnerable families from economic shocks.
Atiku Abubakar outlined his alternative vision for the country, which prioritizes production, protection, and affordability. He stated that his policy would replace Tinubu's approach, which he described as one of punishment. Atiku claimed that the 67.4% of respondents demanding relief represents a democratic majority, and on the strength of that mandate, he will implement his alternative policy.
The survey results and Atiku's criticism of Tinubu's fuel policy come at a time when Nigerians are struggling with high transport costs, food prices, and energy costs. Atiku's statement concluded that the people have spoken, and the 67.4% is a vote against Tinubu's cruelty and a mandate for his alternative. The ADC presidential candidate emphasized that his government would prioritize the protection of citizens and address the economic challenges facing the country.
Key points
- - 67.4% of respondents in the SBM survey want petrol subsidy back. - Atiku Abubakar criticizes Tinubu's fuel policy, citing widespread suffering and rejection by Nigerians. - Atiku outlines an alternative vision prioritizing production, protection, and affordability.
