ATIKU CHALLENGES TINUBU OVER FUEL RELIEF, SAYS PRESIDENT OWES HIM AN APOLOGY

By NaijaParrot October 9, 2026 

 ABUJA, NIGERIA —  

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has challenged President Bola Tinubu over the Federal Government’s proposed 30-day petrol discount, accusing the administration of embracing a form of fuel-price support it previously dismissed when he advocated a similar approach.

Atiku made the criticism while reacting to the government’s plan to offer discounted petrol at Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) retail outlets for an initial period of 30 days, with public transport operators receiving priority.

In a statement reported by Nigerian media, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain recalled that Tinubu had previously criticised his proposal for targeted assistance to reduce fuel costs, arguing that the government’s latest intervention contradicted its earlier position.

 ‘YOU OWE ME AN APOLOGY,’ ATIKU TELLS TINUBU

 Atiku accused the President of dismissing his economic proposal before introducing a temporary measure that he says follows a similar principle. Addressing Tinubu directly, Atiku said: “Bola, when I proposed targeted support to ease fuel costs, you called me ignorant of economic policy. Your government said it could not be done. Now, in a desperate and clumsy retreat, you have shamelessly embraced the principle you mocked. You owe me an apology.” The former vice-president argued that the government’s decision to introduce temporary fuel-price relief showed that alternatives to the existing policy approach could be considered. His criticism, however, centres on both the timing and the duration of the intervention, which he says does not offer a lasting solution to the economic pressure facing Nigerians. 

 ATIKU QUESTIONS THE 30-DAY WINDOW The ADC 

chieftain has maintained that one month of discounted petrol cannot reverse the hardship Nigerians have experienced since the removal of the petrol subsidy in May 2023. He questioned what would happen when the intervention expires, particularly if petrol prices, transport fares and food costs remain high. Atiku also raised concerns about the government’s decision to limit the discount to NNPC outlets. He questioned how much motorists would save per litre and what arrangements would ensure that commercial transport operators pass the benefits on to passengers through reduced fares. According to him, Nigerians require a sustainable policy that addresses fuel costs and the wider cost-of-living crisis rather than a temporary intervention. 

 WHAT ATIKU PROPOSED 

 has advocated a targeted production-support arrangement tied to petroleum products refined in Nigeria and sold within the country. Under his proposal, government support would be capped, provided for in the budget and independently audited, with safeguards intended to ensure that consumers benefit and domestic refining receives support. He argues that linking the intervention to locally refined petroleum products could help reduce costs for consumers while supporting Nigeria’s refining industry. However, the proposed arrangement would require clear funding provisions, transparent oversight and a credible mechanism for ensuring that any savings reach consumers. The government’s temporary retail discount is different in design, and its introduction does not by itself establish whether Atiku’s proposal would be financially sustainable. 

 FG DEFENDS ITS FUEL-PRICE INTERVENTION 

 The Federal Government has maintained that its 30-day initiative is not a return to the former petrol subsidy regime. Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, said NNPC would temporarily forgo its retail profit margin and sell petrol at cost during the intervention, with public transport operators given priority. The government has presented the measure as part of a wider package intended to cushion households and businesses against rising fuel costs. However, the announcement has attracted criticism from opposition figures and other stakeholders, who have questioned whether the intervention will provide sufficient relief and whether its benefits will extend beyond the participating 

NNPC outlets. 2027 ELECTION DEBATE INTENSIFIES 

 The disagreement comes as political parties and presidential hopefuls increasingly debate economic policies ahead of the 2027 general election. Fuel prices, transportation costs, food affordability and the impact of economic reforms are likely to remain major issues in discussions about the Tinubu administration’s record. While the government says its temporary intervention is intended to ease immediate pressure, Atiku insists that Nigerians need longer-term solutions capable of delivering sustained relief. Whether the 30-day discount produces meaningful savings for consumers, and what happens when it ends, will be central to assessing its impact. 

 NaijaParrot will continue to monitor reactions to the Federal Government’s fuel policy and report verified developments. 

  NaijaParrot — Hear It First! Hear It True!