African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has criticised President Bola Tinubu over his earlier promise to reduce transportation costs from October 1, 2026.

Atiku raised the issue in his Independence Day address on Thursday, questioning whether the promised reduction had taken effect.

“Before I forget, you promised Nigerians lower transport fares from October 1. Today is October 1. Did your promise miss the bus?” Atiku asked.

He also accused the Tinubu administration of making promises without sufficient evidence of improved living conditions, arguing that Nigerians continued to face rising costs of food, fuel and transportation.

Atiku said the government’s claim that the country had entered an “age of prosperity” could not substitute for tangible relief for households.

“A president may announce a new chapter in a speech. He cannot put food onto a family’s table or money into a worker’s pocket,” he said.

The former vice president further criticised the removal of fuel subsidy, saying it was implemented without adequate protection for families affected by the resulting economic shock.

He pledged that, if elected president in 2027, his administration would introduce a capped and budgeted production subsidy tied to verified fuel refined in Nigeria, including fuel produced by modular refineries.

“Imported petrol will not qualify. The benefit must reach consumers through lower pump prices. We will publish the costs, independently audit the payments and cut government waste to help fund the programme,” Atiku said.

He also challenged the government to account for reported cash transfers, public borrowing, unpaid government obligations and the implementation of the 2025 and 2026 budgets.

On security and governance, Atiku called for due process in the cases involving Nnamdi Kanu, Sheikh Sani Khalifa Zaria and former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai.

He also renewed his call for the release of five young Nigerians arrested in Borno State over wearing “Tinubu Must Go” T-shirts.

“A political slogan on a shirt must never become a reason to imprison a Nigerian,” he said.

Atiku said his administration would respect the independence of the Independent National Electoral Commission and ensure that votes were counted as cast in the 2027 election.