Fuel Discount: Atiku Accuses Tinubu of Using NNPCL for Political Gains
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accused President Bola Tinubu of using the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) for political gains following the Federal Government’s announcement of a 30-day petrol discount.
Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), questioned the financial implications of the discount, demanding transparency over its approval and the accounts that would bear the cost.
In a statement issued on Saturday by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, Atiku asked whether NNPCL was operating as an independent commercial company or being used to advance the President’s political interests ahead of the 2027 general election.
The Federal Government recently announced a petrol discount of ₦66 per litre at NNPCL retail outlets for an initial period of 30 days, with priority given to public transport operators.
Atiku argued that the government had yet to explain who would bear the cost of the price reduction, whether the company’s board approved the decision and how the financial implications would be reflected in its accounts.
“Is the government exercising its rights as shareholder through proper corporate channels, or treating NNPC Limited as a drawer of campaign money it can open whenever an election approaches?” he asked.
The former vice president also criticised the restriction of the discount to NNPCL retail outlets, arguing that the company’s network of slightly more than 900 filling stations was insufficient to provide nationwide relief to millions of Nigerians.
He said motorists living far from participating stations could incur additional transport costs and spend time in queues, reducing the benefits of the discount.
Atiku also questioned what would happen if motorists arrived at participating stations only to find that petrol was unavailable.
“A press release can reach every Nigerian in a second. His discount cannot,” he said.
The ADC candidate further challenged the administration’s position that the intervention did not amount to a subsidy, arguing that changing the description of a cost would not eliminate its financial implications.
“The administration says this is not a subsidy. Changing the name of a cost does not make it disappear,” he said.
Atiku also accused Tinubu of adopting elements of his proposal for a targeted subsidy on petroleum products refined locally, despite previously criticising the idea.
He argued that the government’s 30-day discount was insufficient to address the high cost of living and called for a sustainable arrangement that would make petrol more affordable across the country.
The former vice president has advocated a targeted, budgeted and independently audited support scheme for petroleum products refined in Nigeria and sold to Nigerians.
He maintained that the proposal would provide more lasting relief while supporting domestic refining and helping to reduce the cost of transportation and other essential goods.
