The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Atiku Abubakar, has promised to reduce the cost of fuel, food and power if elected president in the 2027 general election.
Atiku made the promise in his Independence Day message on Thursday, October 1, 2026, where he criticised President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies and accused the administration of worsening the hardship faced by Nigerians.
The former Vice President said millions of Nigerians were struggling to afford basic necessities, including food, healthcare and transportation, despite the government’s claim that the economy had entered an “age of prosperity.”
According to him, families were skipping meals, delaying medical treatment and borrowing money to survive until payday.
Atiku faulted Tinubu’s decision to remove the petrol subsidy, saying the government failed to provide adequate protection for Nigerians who bore the impact of the policy.
“Tinubu removed fuel subsidy without credible protection for the families who would bear the shock. He promised the savings would benefit Nigerians. Three years later, the pain has an address in every home,” he said.
He also criticised the government over insecurity, arguing that the inability to protect lives and make living costs affordable amounted to a failure of two fundamental responsibilities.
Atiku contrasted the minimum wage and petrol prices under the Tinubu administration, saying the purchasing power of workers had declined despite the increase in nominal wages.
“In April 2023, a N30,000 minimum wage could buy about 118 litres of petrol. Today, N70,000 buys just 50 litres,” he said.
He also cited increases in the prices of basic food items, including eggs and bread, as evidence of the pressure on households.
Atiku said his administration would prioritise affordability and introduce a capped and budgeted production subsidy tied to verified fuel refined in Nigeria, including modular refineries.
He said imported petrol would not qualify for the proposed subsidy, adding that the policy would be designed to ensure that consumers benefit through lower pump prices.
According to him, the costs and payments under the scheme would be published and independently audited.
The ADC candidate also raised concerns over Nigeria’s public debt, putting the country’s debt stock at N166.79tn as of the end of June.
He said his government would require greater transparency before taking on additional debt, insisting that government must identify the projects being funded, disclose their costs and account for beneficiaries and payments.
On transportation, Atiku challenged the Federal Government to publish details of its promised reduction in transport fares.
“Tinubu promised lower transport fares from October 1. Today is October 1. Publish the routes, the old and new fares, and the number of people benefiting. Nigerians cannot board an announcement,” he said.
Atiku further promised to make food, fuel and power costs a priority from his first day in office, while improving access to healthcare and education and restoring security to communities affected by violence.
He also pledged to respect the independence of the Independent National Electoral Commission and support the prompt publication of results from every polling unit.
The ADC candidate said his administration would ensure that anyone found guilty of vote buying or altering election results faced the law, regardless of political affiliation.
Atiku also called for greater political freedom, saying Nigerians should be able to question their leaders, organise peacefully and demand political change without intimidation.
He concluded by urging Nigerians to use their votes to choose a different political direction, saying, “Tinubu must go.”
