Atiku Slams Tinubu Over Insecurity, Also Criticises His Fuel Price Comparison.

Politics • Tue Apr 14 2026 • By Starkid

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has launched a brutal critique of President Bola Tinubu’s recent economic defense, describing the President’s comparison of Nigerian fuel prices to other African nations as a "deliberate attempt to deflect from policy failures".

Growing Security Concerns

In a dual-pronged statement, the presidential candidate of 2023 also expressed deep concern over a fresh wave of coordinated attacks across different part of the countries like Borno, Kaduna, and Benue states, which have left dozens dead and security forces reeling. He describe them as unacceptable acts of violence against innocent citizens.

He stressed that protecting lives and property remains the primary responsibility of any government, calling for urgent and coordinated action to restore safety and public confidence.

Atiku Abubakar former Vice President also extended his condolences to victims and communities affected by the recent attacks.

Recent Attacks Across Nigeria

The concerns come amid fresh violence reported in several states.

In Borno State, a deadly attack on a military base in Benisheikh resulted in the deaths of soldiers, including a senior military officer Brigadier-General O.O. Braimah.
Some other incidents were recorded during the Easter period, including attacks in Kaduna where gunmen stormed churches in Ariko village, killing five and abducting 31 people and Benue states, where several people were killed and others abducted as well.
Reports also indicate renewed violence in Katsina, Kebbi and Kwara with coordinated attacks in rural communities reportedly left at least 49 villagers dead, all these to highlight the ongoing security challenges in rural communities.

Atiku Counter to Fuel Price Comparison

The friction began after President Tinubu, during a visit to Bayelsa State, urged Nigerians to be grateful that petrol prices remain lower than in countries like Kenya.

Atiku also criticised President Bola Tinubu over recent remarks comparing Nigeria’s fuel prices with those of other African countries such as Kenya.

While acknowledging that petrol may appear cheaper in Nigeria, he argued that such comparisons fail to reflect the true economic realities faced by citizens.

According to him, affordability should not be measured by fuel prices alone, but by the relationship between income, cost of living, and purchasing power.

Economic Reality for Nigerians

He pointed out that despite lower fuel prices, many Nigerians struggle with rising living costs and declining income levels.

Comparing Nigeria with countries like Kenya, Atiku noted that workers in those countries earn significantly higher wages, making it easier to cope with higher fuel prices.

Responding via his spokesperson, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku argued that looking at the price of petrol in isolation is a "statistical convenience" that ignores the crushing reality of Nigerian poverty.

A Kenyan minimum wage earner takes home the equivalent of about N170,000—more than twice Nigeria’s N70,000 minimum wage," Atiku noted. "While a Kenyan earns more and pays more, a Nigerian earns far less and is forced to survive under crushing pressure.

He warned that focusing on selective comparisons could give a misleading picture of the country’s economic situation

Atiku emphasized that affordability is defined by the relationship between income and expenditure, concluding that by this metric, "Nigerians have never had it worse".

Demands for Accountability (Call for Urgent Action)

Atiku urged the government to take decisive steps to tackle insecurity and address the economic hardship facing citizens.

He reminded the federal government that the protection of lives is its "foremost responsibility," calling for a "renewed urgency" in coordination between security agencies.

Despite the challenges, he expressed hope that Nigeria can overcome its current difficulties through collective effort and strong leadership.

While acknowledging support from the United States in counter-terrorism efforts, the former Vice President stressed that international cooperation must be matched by domestic resolve to restore public confidence.