Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s removal of fuel subsidy, saying the economic hardship faced by Nigerians should not be regarded as evidence that the policy succeeded.

Atiku, through his media aide, Phrank Shaibu, accused the Tinubu administration of triggering increases in fuel prices, transportation and production costs, while the naira depreciated and food prices rose.

He defended his proposal for a new subsidy model, saying it would be targeted, capped, time-bound and independently audited, with a focus on supporting domestic production.

Atiku also accused the government of celebrating increased allocations while many Nigerians continued to struggle with the rising cost of living.