Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has questioned the Federal Government’s 30-day petrol discount, demanding clarification on who will bear the cost and whether NNPC Limited’s board approved the decision.

In a statement issued by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, Atiku accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of turning the price reduction into a political spectacle without disclosing its financial implications.

He argued that NNPC Limited operates as a commercial company under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and should not be treated as a source of funds for political publicity.

“Tinubu wants Nigerians to cheer for ₦66 off a litre before they ask who ordered NNPC to surrender the money. He wants credit for the discount without showing the board approval, the cost or the account that will carry it,” Atiku said.

He questioned whether the government had exercised its shareholder powers through proper corporate procedures or directed the company to forgo its margins without adequate disclosure.

Atiku also challenged the nationwide accessibility of the discount, citing the limited number of NNPC Retail stations compared with Nigeria’s population, which he put at roughly 242 million.

He argued that motorists living far from the outlets could spend additional money on fuel and transport or wait in queues, reducing the benefits of the discount.

“Tinubu announces relief for the whole country, then delivers it through a fraction of its filling stations. A press release can reach every Nigerian in a second. His discount cannot,” he said.

The ADC candidate further demanded details of any board approval, the amount of revenue NNPC Limited would forgo and how the cost would be reflected in its accounts.

“The administration says this is not a subsidy. Changing the name of a cost does not make it disappear,” Atiku said.

He also accused the Tinubu administration of adopting targeted relief after previously criticising his proposal for a transparent production subsidy, insisting that Nigerians needed measures capable of providing meaningful relief from high petrol prices.