Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accused the Tinubu administration of failing ordinary Nigerians, pointing to Germany's temporary fuel tax cut as evidence of responsive governance. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate spoke through his campaign's Director of Strategic Communication, Phrank Shaibu, in a statement released on Friday, October 2, 2026.
Atiku Criticises Tinubu's Independence Day Address
Atiku said Tinubu's Independence Day speech revealed how disconnected the government has become from the daily struggles of Nigerian families. He specifically challenged Tinubu's description of fuel subsidies as "addictive" while defending policies that have pushed fuel and basic goods beyond the reach of many households.
He also disputed the President's claim that salaries and pensions have been paid "on time and in full," citing reports of delays among federal workers and ongoing protests by pensioners.
Germany's Fuel Tax Cut Contrasted with Nigeria
Germany reduced gasoline and diesel taxes by €0.17 per litre from October through December 2026, at an estimated cost of €2.5 billion, with pump prices already beginning to fall as a result.
"When petrol becomes more expensive, transport becomes more expensive. When transport costs rise, food and other essentials cost more. The hardship follows Nigerians from the filling station to the market and into their homes," Atiku said.
"Germany understands that when fuel prices put families under pressure, government must act. Nigerians deserve the same compassion and urgency."
Atiku's Proposed Alternative for Local Refining
Atiku outlined a plan to restore fuel support specifically for petroleum refined within Nigeria, with strict auditing measures to prevent diversion and price manipulation. He said the initiative would be funded by cutting government waste and would not extend to imported fuel, so that the benefit directly lowers pump prices while also creating local jobs.
"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. Tinubu made life unbearably expensive and called your suffering the price of reform. I will make life affordable again," he said.
Atiku argued that lower fuel costs would translate into cheaper bus fares, more affordable food at markets, and more money remaining in household budgets at the end of each month.
Broader Criticism of Petrol Price Comparisons
Meanwhile, Paul Ibe, Atiku's media aide, criticised the Federal Government's comparison of petrol prices in Nigeria and the US. Ibe argued that pump prices must be measured against workers' income and purchasing power, not nominal figures alone. The reaction followed comments by Minister Heineken Lokpobiri, who defended deregulation on national television.
