By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the rising cost of living, insecurity and what he described as inadequate accountability in the management of Nigeria’s resources.
Atiku made his position known in his Independence Day address to Nigerians on Thursday, October 1, 2026, as the country marked its 66th Independence anniversary.
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He said many Nigerians were still struggling with the high cost of food, transportation and healthcare, despite the Federal Government’s claim that its economic reforms were producing positive results.
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Atiku challenged the government’s description of the current period as an “age of prosperity”, arguing that economic progress should be reflected in improved living conditions for ordinary Nigerians.
The former Vice President also criticised the removal of the petrol subsidy, saying the resulting increase in transportation and other costs had placed additional pressure on households and businesses.
He called for a capped and budgeted production subsidy for petrol refined locally, including fuel produced by modular refineries, saying the measure could help reduce the cost of fuel and transportation for Nigerians.
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On security, Atiku expressed concern over the continued challenges facing the country and urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts to protect lives and property.
He also raised concerns about government borrowing and expenditure, calling for greater transparency and accountability in the management of public funds.
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On issues relating to detained Nigerians, Atiku called for action on the cases of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, Sheikh Sani Khalifa Zaria and Nnamdi Kanu, urging the government to address the issues surrounding their detention and grievances through due process.
Atiku further urged Nigerians to participate actively in the 2027 general elections and protect their votes, saying citizens have a role to play in determining the future direction of the country.
His address came hours after President Tinubu delivered his own Independence Day speech, in which the President defended his administration’s economic reforms and said the government was focused on reducing production and transportation costs, expanding agriculture and creating more jobs.
The Merit Newspaper reports that the contrasting messages from the two political figures have further highlighted the differing assessments of Nigeria’s economy, security situation and the direction of government policy ahead of the 2027 elections.
