Precious Nwonu, Enugu

Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has accused the administration of President Bola Tinubu of worsening poverty and the cost of living in Nigeria.

Atiku made the allegations in a state-of-the-nation address delivered at the ADC secretariat in Abuja on Thursday as Nigeria marked its 66th Independence Anniversary.

He criticised the Federal Government’s economic policies, particularly the removal of the petrol subsidy, arguing that the reforms had increased the financial burden on households.

According to him, rising prices of food, transportation and other essential goods have left many Nigerians struggling to meet their basic needs.

Atiku also faulted Tinubu’s claim that the country was entering an era of prosperity, arguing that economic growth and lower inflation would have limited meaning if Nigerians could not afford food, healthcare, transportation and education.

He said, “At 66, Nigeria has come a long way. Independence has offered us liberty and self-determination. We are also making considerable progress in nation building.”

The former vice president also criticised the government’s handling of insecurity, saying attacks by armed groups had displaced communities, affected farming activities and created fear among families.

He further questioned the government’s management of public funds, debt and development projects, calling for greater transparency in contracts, loans and social intervention programmes.

On the economy, Atiku proposed what he described as a capped and budgeted production subsidy for petrol refined in Nigeria, including fuel produced by modular refineries.

He said the proposed scheme should be independently audited and designed to ensure that any benefit reached consumers through lower pump prices.

Atiku also raised concerns about the government’s borrowing plans, citing Nigeria’s public debt and the proposed $1.5bn World Bank loan. He called for greater disclosure on how existing borrowed funds had been spent and the projects they had financed.

The ADC candidate also criticised the government’s handling of student loans, budgets, contractors’ payments and cash-transfer programmes, demanding greater accountability.

On security and civil liberties, Atiku called for the release of individuals he described as being unlawfully detained and urged the government to uphold due process.

He also appealed to Nigerians to participate actively in the 2027 general election, urging voters to protect their ballots and reject intimidation.

Atiku said the election would provide Nigerians with an opportunity to determine the country’s direction, while promising that, if elected, he would prioritise affordability, security, healthcare, education and accountability in public spending.

He said Nigerians should scrutinise the programmes and promises of all candidates, including himself, and demand measurable commitments from those seeking public office.

The former vice president concluded by urging Nigerians not to lose hope despite the economic and security challenges facing the country.