Opposition presidential candidates Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi have challenged President Bola Tinubu’s assessment of Nigeria’s economic progress, following his Independence Day address in which he said the country had moved from painful reforms into an era of prosperity.
Atiku argued that claims of falling inflation and economic growth did not reflect the cost-of-living pressures facing many Nigerians. He highlighted the decline in purchasing power, noting that the N30,000 minimum wage could buy about 118 litres of petrol in April 2023, compared with roughly 50 litres under the current N70,000 wage.
The former vice-president said government policies should focus more directly on easing living costs. He proposed capped production subsidies for domestically refined petrol and criticised existing student loan programmes, while also demanding greater transparency over the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway contract, conditional cash transfers and the country’s N166.79tn public debt.
Atiku said economic indicators alone could not demonstrate improved living conditions, arguing that government statements about a new economic chapter must be matched by changes in what families can afford.
Obi, meanwhile, called for what he described as an urgent national reset, saying Nigeria’s resources had yet to translate into sufficient security, human development and prosperity. He cited poverty, unemployment and displacement while referring to his recent visit to an internally displaced persons’ camp in Sokoto State.
The former Anambra State governor said government should place greater emphasis on measurable outcomes and citizens’ welfare. He framed his message as one of hope and responsibility, rather than despair, while calling for a stronger focus on the lived experiences of Nigerians.
Obi also said that, if elected president, he would spend his holidays within different parts of Nigeria rather than travelling abroad, presenting the pledge as part of his approach to staying connected with the country and its people.
