African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has launched a fierce critique against President Bola Tinubu, comparing him to a "dull student who copied his classmate's answer" following the Federal Government's announcement of a 30-day fuel price discount.

Reacting to the temporary fuel relief policy unveiled by Minister of Finance Taiwo Oyedele, Atiku accused the administration of plagiarizing his proposed production subsidy framework while stripping out its key structural components.

In a video statement addressed directly to the President, the opposition leader argued that the government's 30-day discount at Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited retail stations fails to address root economic challenges.

"Bola, you are like a dull student who copied his classmate's answer, and you have done it so blindly that the classmate's name was at the top of his exam paper, and then demanded marks for original thinking," Atiku stated.

"You copied my production subsidy proposal—nothing wrong about that—you stripped away the part that makes it work and handed Nigerians a 30-day discount. Where is the rest of the answer, Bola? You see why it is good to go to school."

Atiku insisted that short-term price cuts with 30-day expiration dates create market uncertainty for commercial transporters, farmers, and small business operators.

He advocated instead for sustained production subsidies focused on boosting local refining capacity and driving down systemic costs.

The former Vice President demanded a formal apology, claiming the administration previously dismissed his policy proposals before adopting a watered-down version amid mounting economic pressure.

The Federal Government recently introduced a 30-day margin discount on petrol dispensed at NNPC retail stations nationwide, prioritizing public transport operators alongside negotiating a ₦1,350 landing cost ceiling.

ID