Atiku Slams Tinubu’s 90-Day Hunger Relief Plan as ‘Election Bait’, Demands Answers on Food Prices, Taxes

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s proposed 90-day cost-of-living relief plan, describing it as “election bait” and demanding clear details on how the initiative will reduce food prices, ease taxation and support struggling Nigerian households.

Atiku’s position was communicated by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Presidential Campaign Council, during a press conference at the party’s secretariat in Abuja on Friday, October 23, 2026.

The opposition campaign council questioned the timing of the initiative, arguing that its 90-day implementation period would extend beyond the presidential election. It urged Nigerians to judge the administration by its economic record and measurable improvements in living conditions rather than new promises announced ahead of the polls.

Atiku’s Camp Questions Timing of Relief Plan

According to the campaign council, the government’s proposed plan focuses on five areas: food affordability, tax harmonisation, completion of key infrastructure projects, removal of investment bottlenecks and household support.

Shaibu argued that these issues had affected Nigerians for years and questioned why the administration was proposing a time-bound intervention at this stage of its tenure.

He maintained that families continue to face pressure from food and transport costs, while manufacturers and small businesses struggle with operating expenses.

The council also criticised the government’s handling of petrol subsidy removal, arguing that measures to protect vulnerable households should have accompanied the reform.

The criticism reflects a wider political dispute over the pace and effects of Nigeria’s economic reforms. While the administration has defended its policies as necessary for economic restructuring, opposition figures have questioned the extent to which the benefits have reached ordinary citizens.

Questions Over Food Prices and Household Support

Atiku’s campaign council demanded specific information about how the government intends to make food more affordable within the proposed 90-day period.

It asked which costs would be reduced for farmers, transporters and traders, when consumers could expect to see changes in market prices, and how any reductions would be sustained after the programme ends.

The council also requested details about the proposed household-support component, including eligibility requirements, payment amounts, funding arrangements and the expected commencement date.

It argued that without publicly available implementation details and measurable targets, Nigerians would find it difficult to assess whether the programme was delivering meaningful relief.

The government’s ability to translate the plan into practical benefits will depend on how its measures are designed, funded and implemented, as well as whether the effects can be measured at household level.

Tax Harmonisation and Projects Under Scrutiny

The ADC campaign council also sought clarification on the tax harmonisation component of the initiative.

Shaibu called for the government to identify the taxes or charges it intends to consolidate or remove and publish a clear schedule of the proposed changes.

For businesses, the council argued, clarity on taxation is important for planning, investment and production costs. Small businesses and manufacturers have repeatedly raised concerns about the combined effects of operating expenses, energy costs, transportation and multiple charges.

The council also requested a list of infrastructure projects expected to be completed within the 90-day period, including their locations, outstanding costs and anticipated dates of completion.

It maintained that project completion should be measured by whether infrastructure is ready for public use, rather than by administrative announcements alone.

Atiku’s Camp Challenges NNPC Fuel Discount

The former vice-president’s campaign team also questioned a fuel-discount promotion reportedly introduced by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) on October 1.

Shaibu said he visited NNPC retail stations and was allegedly told that the discount was unavailable. He claimed he subsequently purchased petrol at ₦1,405 per litre.

He called on NNPC to publish information showing how many motorists benefited from the promotion, which stations participated and how much petrol was sold at the discounted price.

The claims about the availability of the discount were made by the opposition campaign official. Independent figures from NNPC confirming the number of beneficiaries were not included in the reports reviewed for this article.

Public disclosure of the programme’s terms and performance would help motorists assess the reach of the promotion and distinguish advertised savings from discounts actually received.

Concerns About Personal Data Collection

The campaign council also raised concerns about a registration form reportedly circulating under the name “Arise for Tinubu 2027”.

Shaibu alleged that the form requested voter identification details, bank information and telephone numbers. He called for clarification on who was collecting the information, how it would be used and whether the exercise was connected to the government’s proposed household-support programme.

The alleged connection between the registration form and any official relief programme has not been independently established. The matter requires clarification from the organisers and relevant authorities before conclusions can be drawn.

The issue also raises a broader public-interest question about how personal information is collected and protected when citizens register for political activities or public assistance.

Economic Relief Becomes a Political Debate

Atiku’s criticism adds to the political debate surrounding the cost of living as parties prepare for the 2027 general election.

The ADC campaign council said economic policy should be assessed by its effect on household purchasing power, the cost of essential goods, employment and the ability of businesses to operate.

It also outlined Atiku’s stated preference for disciplined public spending, targeted household assistance and measures to reduce the cost of producing and transporting essential goods.

The Tinubu administration’s proposed 90-day plan, meanwhile, places food affordability, tax harmonisation, infrastructure delivery, investment and household support among its stated priorities.

The central question is whether the proposed measures will produce clear and lasting improvements for Nigerians. That assessment will require published implementation details, transparent funding arrangements and evidence showing what changes households and businesses experience.

As debate continues, the government faces calls to explain how the plan will work, who will benefit and how progress will be measured beyond the announcement itself.

Sources: Arise News, Channels Television, The Guardian Nigeria.