ATIKU FAULTS TINUBU’S REFORMS OVER RISING COSTS

Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, blaming them for worsening the cost of living and putting additional pressure on households and businesses.

Atiku, in a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, said Nigerians were facing higher costs for fuel, food, transportation and other basic necessities.

He also criticised the Federal Government’s opposition to his proposed production subsidy, arguing that targeted support for local production and refining could increase supply and help reduce prices.

Atiku cited the positions of the Crude Oil Refinery Owners Association of Nigeria and recent efforts in the United States to support domestic petroleum production as examples of why government intervention in strategic industries should not automatically be rejected.

The former vice president further argued that rising costs were affecting businesses as consumers struggled to maintain their purchasing power. He said unpaid customer bills were putting pressure on companies and could have wider effects across supply chains.

Atiku called for policies that would increase local production, reduce the cost of essential goods and leave Nigerians with more disposable income.

He maintained that Nigerians needed practical relief from economic hardship rather than continued appeals for patience, as political activities ahead of the 2027 presidential election gather momentum.