Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has urged President Bola Tinubu to adopt policies capable of reducing petrol prices and easing the economic pressure on Nigerians.
Atiku made the call on Friday during a press conference at his residence in Abuja, where he appealed to the President to use the remaining months of his administration to provide relief for households, workers and businesses.
The former vice president also renewed his call for government intervention in the petrol market, arguing that the source of a policy proposal should not determine whether it is considered.
According to Atiku, Tinubu should be willing to implement an idea even if it was first proposed by a political opponent, provided it helps bring down the cost of petrol.
Atiku said the President should not hesitate to adopt his proposal simply because it came from him.
He said Tinubu could rename the policy and even take credit for it, insisting that the priority should be reducing the amount Nigerians pay for petrol.
“Tinubu should not be ashamed to do what is necessary to lower the price of petrol simply because Atiku Abubakar proposed a government intervention,” he said.
“He should just take the idea, rename it if he wishes, and even take the credit. What matters to me is that Nigerians pay less.”
Atiku added that a policy should be judged by its potential impact rather than the political identity of the person who proposed it.
“A sensible idea does not become a bad idea because it came from your opponent. If responsible intervention can lower prices, intervene. If changing course can help Nigerians’ families, change course for God’s sake,” he said.
Atiku calls for relief from rising costs
The ADC candidate said the effects of high energy costs extend beyond petrol stations, affecting transportation, businesses, food prices and household finances.
He urged Tinubu to use the remaining period of his administration to reduce the economic pressure facing Nigerians rather than waiting for another government to introduce measures that could provide immediate relief.
Atiku also criticised excessive reliance on palliatives, arguing that temporary assistance should not replace policies aimed at addressing the underlying causes of economic hardship.
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“Nigerians do not need another elaborate palliative economy. Do not make life unbearable,” he said.
The former vice president said his political contest with Tinubu should not prevent him from supporting policies that could improve the welfare of Nigerians.
He maintained that while politicians may compete for political office, the wellbeing of citizens should remain separate from partisan disagreements.
Atiku’s latest comments come amid continuing debate over petrol prices and the economic impact of the removal of the petrol subsidy under the Tinubu administration.