Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has criticised the Tinubu administration over the rising cost of living, saying Nigerians are being forced to choose between buying food and paying for transport.

Atiku said Germany’s decision to cut taxes on petrol and diesel to cushion households from rising costs showed that governments could take measures to protect citizens from economic hardship.

He made the remarks in a statement issued by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, on Friday.

Atiku said President Bola Tinubu’s Independence Day address failed to reflect the daily struggles of Nigerians facing rising fuel and food prices.

He faulted the President for defending policies that, according to him, had made fuel and other basic necessities increasingly unaffordable, while describing fuel subsidies as “addictive”.

Atiku also challenged Tinubu’s claim that salaries and pensions had been paid “on time and in full”, saying federal workers had reported delays while pensioners continued to protest.

According to Atiku, Germany has cut taxes on petrol and diesel by €0.17 per litre from October to December at an estimated cost of €2.5 billion, with pump prices beginning to fall.

“When petrol becomes more expensive, transport becomes more expensive. When transport costs rise, food and other essentials cost more. The hardship follows Nigerians from the filling station to the market and into their homes,” he said.

“Germany understands that when fuel prices put families under pressure, government must act. Nigerians deserve the same compassion and urgency.”

Atiku said his administration would restore targeted, budgeted support for fuel refined in Nigeria, subject to strict auditing, to ensure the benefit translated into lower pump prices.

He said the proposed support would apply only to fuel refined domestically and would be funded by cutting government waste, while measures would be introduced to prevent diversion and price manipulation.

“To every Nigerian forced to choose between feeding a family, paying for transport or meeting another basic need, I am deeply sorry. You did not deserve this hardship. Tinubu made life unbearably expensive and called your suffering the price of reform. I will make life affordable again,” Atiku said.

He said lower fuel costs could translate into cheaper transport fares, more affordable goods and increased disposable income for families.

“Nigeria’s wealth should ease the burden on its people. Our promise is simple: produce here, create jobs here and make life affordable again,” he said.