By George Omagbemi
Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has called on President Bola Tinubu to reduce the cost of petrol and electricity, warning that rising energy prices are worsening the economic pressure on Nigerians.
Atiku made the call during a press briefing in Abuja, where he addressed fuel prices, palliatives, electricity costs and the broader cost-of-living crisis. He argued that the removal of the petrol subsidy had increased transportation, food, logistics and energy costs across the country.
According to Atiku, the impact of expensive energy goes beyond the filling station, affecting farmers, traders, workers, manufacturers and households.
“When government makes energy expensive, it makes life expensive,” he said.
He also warned against the planned phase-out of electricity subsidies from 2027, arguing that households and businesses are already struggling with high electricity, diesel and alternative power costs.
“The lesson of petrol must not be repeated with electricity,” Atiku said, stressing that government should not remove support first and seek palliatives afterwards.
The former vice president urged Tinubu to consider policies that directly reduce the financial burden on Nigerians rather than relying mainly on temporary interventions.
He further stated that political differences should not prevent leaders from supporting policies capable of improving the welfare of citizens, declaring that the wellbeing of Nigerians should remain the priority.
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