Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has accused the administration of President Bola Tinubu of worsening poverty and the cost-of-living crisis in Nigeria.

Atiku made the allegation on Thursday while delivering a state-of-the-nation address at the ADC Secretariat in Abuja to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence anniversary.

He faulted the Tinubu administration over rising living costs, insecurity and what he described as economic policies that had increased the hardship faced by millions of Nigerians.

The ADC presidential candidate said the government’s claim that its economic reforms were ushering in prosperity was inconsistent with the realities confronting households across the country.

President Tinubu, in his Independence Day address, had said the government’s economic reforms were beginning to yield results and that Nigeria had entered an era of prosperity.

Reacting, Atiku said, “At 66, the APC administration has brought Nigeria deeper into poverty, far from the dreams of the founding fathers.”

He argued that while the government continued to highlight economic growth, increased exports and falling inflation, Nigerians were still struggling to afford food, transportation, healthcare and other basic necessities.

According to him, a slower rate of inflation does not mean that prices have returned to previous levels, adding that many households were still grappling with the effects of rising prices.

Atiku also criticised the removal of fuel subsidy, arguing that it had contributed to higher transportation and food costs without sufficient measures to cushion the impact on Nigerians.

He questioned the administration’s claim that the savings from subsidy removal would benefit citizens, asking when Nigerians would begin to see the promised benefits.

On insecurity, Atiku said armed groups had continued to attack communities, displace residents and disrupt farming activities, stressing that the government had a responsibility to protect lives and property.

He also challenged the administration’s handling of education, healthcare, electricity, public debt and social intervention programmes.

Atiku questioned the government’s claim that millions of Nigerians had benefited from cash transfers, calling for an auditable account of how the funds were distributed.

He similarly raised concerns over the country’s rising public debt and called on the government to account for the projects and programmes funded with previous borrowings before taking on additional loans.

The former vice president also criticised the award of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway contract, calling for the publication of relevant procurement documents, including bids, evaluations, contracts and variations.

He further called on the government to pay local contractors who, according to him, had completed projects but were still awaiting payment.

Atiku also challenged President Tinubu’s promise of reduced transportation fares from October 1, asking the government to publish the routes, fares and number of Nigerians benefiting from the initiative.

He said Nigerians should not be asked to endure indefinite hardship while waiting for future benefits from government policies.

On political freedom and the rule of law, Atiku called for due process in cases involving individuals detained by the authorities.

He also called for the release of five young Nigerians arrested in Borno after allegedly wearing “Tinubu Must Go” T-shirts, arguing that political expression should not be criminalised.

Atiku urged Nigerians to participate actively in the 2027 general elections, warning them not to be discouraged by claims that the outcome had already been predetermined.

He promised that, if elected president, his administration would strengthen the independence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), support prompt publication of polling-unit results and ensure that electoral offences were prosecuted regardless of the political affiliation of those involved.

The ADC presidential candidate said his administration would prioritise reducing the cost of food, fuel and electricity, while improving security, healthcare and education.

He also proposed a production-based fuel subsidy tied to verified fuel refined in Nigeria, including products from modular refineries, saying the measure would be designed to reduce pump prices while supporting domestic refining.

Atiku urged Nigerians to examine the plans and records of all political candidates ahead of the 2027 election and protect their votes.

He said the election would provide citizens with an opportunity to determine the direction of the country through the ballot.

Concluding his address, Atiku said Nigeria’s independence should translate into a better quality of life for citizens, including access to affordable food, security, education, healthcare and decent employment.

He ended by calling on Nigerians to support what he described as “a different course” through the 2027 elections.