2027: APC’s Morka Hits Atiku Over Petrol, Electricity Subsidy Positions

APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka has faulted Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), over his recent demand that President Bola Tinubu reduce petrol prices and ease the economic burden on Nigerians.

Morka argued that Atiku had yet to offer Nigerians a clear and workable alternative to the economic policies of the Tinubu administration.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday, Morka reacted to Atiku’s call during a press conference in Abuja for the Federal Government to take measures to reduce petrol prices and tackle the rising cost of living.

“The last I checked, the former Vice President is a candidate of a political party for the office of president. He should be telling Nigerians exactly what he plans to do to improve the lives of Nigerians,” Morka said.

According to him, Atiku’s demand for Tinubu to listen to him did not amount to a clear policy alternative.

“Asking Mr President to listen to him, he is neither here nor there, he is simply just pulling his own political stunts. Atiku Abubakar is not someone who has managed to articulate any sensible position or policy, a proposal as an alternative to what this government has implemented or is implementing, he hasn’t managed to do that,” Morka said.

Atiku had urged Tinubu to use the remaining period of his administration to reduce petrol prices, saying rising energy and transportation costs were worsening financial pressures on households, workers and businesses.

He also offered to make his policy framework available to the government, arguing that any proposal capable of lowering the cost of living should be implemented irrespective of its source.

“A sensible idea does not become a bad idea because it came from your opponent,” Atiku said.

Morka, however, accused Atiku of supporting petrol subsidy removal during the 2023 presidential campaign before later criticising the policy after the Tinubu administration implemented it.

The ADC presidential candidate has also opposed the planned phase-out of electricity subsidies from 2027. He said households, small businesses and manufacturers were already facing high costs for electricity, diesel and alternative sources of power.

Atiku argued that Nigeria should not repeat the experience of petrol subsidy removal in the electricity sector.

Responding, Morka questioned Atiku’s record on electricity during his time as Vice President.

He said Atiku had an opportunity to address the country’s power challenges while in government but failed to do so, asking why he was now advocating measures that he could not implement when he had the opportunity.

Africans Angle News