Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the Makinde/Daura Presidential Campaign Organisation have expressed disappointment over President Bola Tinubu's 66th Independence Day address, saying it failed to provide specific and measurable commitments on the economy and national security. Atiku stated that Nigerians expected more from the president's anniversary address, particularly on issues of economic hardship and insecurity. He argued that the president's claim of Nigeria entering an "age of prosperity" is not reflected in the lives of millions of Nigerians who are struggling to afford basic necessities.
Atiku criticized the economic reforms of the Tinubu administration, saying they have imposed severe hardship on households. He noted that falling inflation or economic growth figures do not necessarily mean that Nigerians are better off. Atiku questioned the president's claim that his administration's economic reforms have moved the country beyond an "emergency treatment" phase, asking where the prosperity is. He emphasized that the real measure of economic recovery should be what Nigerians can afford at the market, filling station, hospital, and workplace, rather than government statistics alone.
Atiku cited the rise in the cost of petrol and basic food items to illustrate his argument, noting that a N30,000 minimum wage in April 2023 could purchase about 118 litres of petrol, while the N70,000 minimum wage introduced under the Tinubu administration could purchase only about 50 litres. He also mentioned increases in the prices of eggs and bread, saying an egg that costs about N88 in April 2023 had risen to about N261 by May 2026, while the price of a loaf of bread had risen from about N500 to approximately N2,000 over the same period.
The Makinde/Daura Presidential Campaign Organisation also criticized President Tinubu's address, describing it as a "rhetorical exercise" that failed to provide concrete solutions to Nigeria's worsening economic hardship, poverty, and insecurity. The organisation's Director of Strategic Communications, Richard Ihediwa, stated that Nigerians expected specific and measurable commitments on the economy and national security. Instead, the organisation said the speech offered broad assurances without clear timelines, targets, or policy commitments.
The campaign organisation argued that President Tinubu's four Independence Day addresses since assuming office in 2023 have been characterised by promises of a better future, without corresponding improvements in the living conditions of citizens. They challenged the president's assessment of his economic reforms, particularly the removal of petrol subsidy and the unification and floating of the naira. The organisation claimed that these policies have triggered significant increases in fuel and other living costs, weakened household purchasing power, and placed severe pressure on businesses and productive activities.
On security, Atiku said the country is facing a serious crisis, with armed groups killing citizens, displacing communities, and disrupting farming and education. He emphasized that farmers should be able to access their farms safely, parents should not fear for their children, and Nigerians should not live under the threat of kidnapping and ransom demands. The Makinde/Daura Presidential Campaign Organisation also called for more concrete measures to protect lives and property and restore confidence among citizens.
Atiku proposed a "capped, budgeted production subsidy" tied to verified fuel refined in Nigeria, including fuel from modular refineries. He maintained that the principle behind the proposal is to encourage domestic production and refining while reducing the cost of petrol to consumers. The former vice president also challenged the Tinubu administration to account for the savings from the removal of the petrol subsidy and demonstrate how Nigerians have benefited from them.
Key points
- Critics argue that Tinubu's speech lacked concrete solutions to Nigeria's economic hardship and insecurity.
- Atiku Abubakar and the Makinde/Daura Presidential Campaign Organisation expressed disappointment over Tinubu's address.
- The critics proposed alternative solutions, including a "capped, budgeted production subsidy" to address the country's economic challenges.
