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BREAKING: Presidency Urges Atiku To End Grand Illusions, Fantasies
The political warfare between the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gained momentum with increased firepower from the Presidency on Sunday.
The Special Adviser to the President, Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, fired the salvo in a statehouse statement in Abuja, on Sunday.
According to the statement, issued under the subject ‘time for Atiku Abubakar to end his grand illusions and fantasies,’ the “former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has shown more interest in undermining President Bola Ahmed Tinubu than in addressing his party’s implosion”.
He declared “We can only urge him to purge himself of the petty, derisive politics of a sore loser.”
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Political pundits are of the view that the hot exchange between the gladiators is setting the tone for Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election.
Onanuga wrote, “Since his defeat in the last election, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has shown more interest in undermining President Bola Ahmed Tinubu than in addressing his party’s implosion. We suspect he is envious of Tinubu’s position — an office he has unsuccessfully sought six times.
“It is perplexing that he would elevate his untested, hypothetical proposal, which Nigerians soundly rejected during the 2023 Presidential Election, and seek to present it as a superior alternative to the multi-faceted reform programmes implemented by the Tinubu administration. If his plan lacked popular appeal, he must acknowledge that merely repackaging it will not resolve the social and economic challenges his People’s Democratic Party (PDP) bequeathed after 16 years in power.
“Atiku’s economic analysis demonstrates a significant misunderstanding of Nigeria’s realities. His narrative, “What We Would Have Done Differently,” indicates an inability to engage with the pressing economic realities being revitalised multidimensionally under President Tinubu’s leadership.
“What reforms would Atiku propose at the onset of his hypothetical and fabled presidency? While he suggests a consultation period upon assuming office, the reality is that the Nigerian economy requires immediate and decisive action. A leader must be prepared to tackle challenges from Day One, as President Tinubu has done.
“Atiku, going further to accuse President Tinubu of “stealing his presidency,” exposed his sense of entitlement and his disconnect from the electorate. The truth is that Tinubu rightfully won the presidency, a position Atiku was simply unqualified for due to his arrogance, insensitivity to Nigeria’s diversity, and the decision to disregard his party’s power rotation arrangement between the North and the South after eight years of President Muhammadu Buhari.
“Atiku’s idea of a consultation period upon entering office shows a troubling lack of awareness regarding the state of the economy, which was in dire need of urgent action. The Tinubu administration came prepared with a firm action plan to address the shortcomings that persisted during President Olusegun Obasanjo’s time when Atiku was vice president.
“We can only speculate what detrimental impact Atiku’s proposed lengthy town hall and Village Square meetings would have had on Nigeria’s economy if he had been elected president and taken such an approach. The country needed a proactive leader such as Tinubu, who immediately set to work on addressing economic challenges rather than one who would have squandered precious time on consultations and a questionable privatisation agenda.
“Atiku’s critiques of Tinubu’s presidency are mere harebrained propositions devoid of realistic alternatives. He must reckon with the decades of mismanaged economy inherited by the current administration, including exorbitant subsidy expenditures far exceeding government earnings from crude oil. As of mid-2023, the landing cost of fuel was between N500 and N600, while it was sold nationwide at an average of N200. The 2023 budget allocated N3.36 trillion for fuel subsidies until June 2023 against a projected N2.23 trillion in oil revenue for the year. The Nigerian state was on life support.
“Instead of conjuring imaginary scenarios, we expect the former vice president to engage with these urgent realities.
“The estimated N5.4 trillion savings from subsidy removal in 2024 are being actively directed toward infrastructure development and social intervention programmes, initiatives that will benefit all tiers of government and enhance Nigerians’ quality of life.
“We expect Atiku to commend what the Tinubu administration has done concerning revenue generation for the Federation. Without factoring in oil sales, revenue proceeds generated by the Federal Inland Revenue Service almost doubled in the first half of 2024, compared with the level Tinubu met in 2023. The states and councils are more prosperous because of it, as many states have increased the minimum wage for their workers to between N70,000 and N85,000.
“Atiku’s proposal to privatise the four government-owned refineries, which collectively can only meet a fraction of the nation’s daily fuel consumption when activated, lacks originality.
“In 2007, investors were only willing to offer $160 million for 51% equity in the Port Harcourt Refinery, while the Kaduna Refinery had an offer of $102 million. According to industry experts and the late President Umar Musa Yar’Adua, Nigeria’s Head of State at the time, who cancelled the sale of the refineries by the Obasanjo-Atiku government, the offered bids were considered scrap value.
“As vice president, Atiku oversaw the sale of the nation’s assets to private individuals and cronies at low prices. Today, most public enterprises Atiku sold have been stripped and become dead assets.
“The model of farming the completely rehabilitated refineries to private sector managers at an agreed-upon rate of return to the government, as adopted by Tinubu’s government, is more practical and value-laden than selling our national patrimony to some private interests that are not technically capable of operating the refineries. The Tinubu administration focuses on revitalising these refineries while supporting modular refineries and the Dangote Refinery, which has greater capacity.
“This approach will guarantee domestic production and stabilise retail prices by reducing foreign exchange challenges. It includes selling crude oil to the refineries in Naira, enabling potential cost reductions that could reflect in retail prices.
“Regarding Atiku’s allegations of corruption within the NNPC, the fuel subsidy has historically been the leading corruption enabler in the state-owned oil company. President Tinubu’s removal of this subsidy eliminated the most significant incentive for corruption within the NNPC. During his eight-year tenure as Vice President, Atiku and his boss had an opportunity to address this issue but failed to make any significant reforms in the oil sector.
“In any case, is it not ironic that an Atiku, who was entangled in corruption allegations, including one in which his wife was indicted and his business associate, former US Congressman William Jefferson, was jailed for 13 years, is now talking about corruption matters?
“The suggestion of phased-out subsidy removal is an outdated approach that has historically led to fiscal challenges for countries like Indonesia, which Atiku references. Nigeria has gradually phased out subsidies since 1978, with numerous adjustments made. Fuel prices were adjusted 22 times between 1978 and 2020. Rather than pushing for unrealistic timelines, Atiku should recognise the necessity of President Tinubu’s bold reforms.
“Notably, while Atiku peddles his economic fantasies, he has yet to denounce President Tinubu’s removal of the fuel subsidy because he knows that the reform was necessary and correct. We can only urge him to purge himself of the petty, derisive politics of a sore loser.
“To alleviate the effect of the fuel subsidy removal on the very poor and vulnerable, the Tinubu administration has embarked on an active social intervention campaign involving cash transfers and the distribution of palliatives. So far, 20 million Nigerians are being targeted for direct cash transfers, an established social protection mechanism described as economically transformative by the World Bank and many development partners. The Tinubu administration has designed well-targeted social inclusion programmes, including student loans, consumer credits, and the Presidential CNG Initiative, all initiated within the first 12 months.
“In his foreign exchange management proposal, Atiku declared that a fixed exchange rate system was out of the question. Yet his managed float proposal, another gradualist approach, is still the same as the old fixed exchange rate system, which stagnated the national economy by subsidising forex up to $1.5 billion monthly to a privileged few.
“Atiku should remember that a managed float is also known as a dirty float because of its inherent flaws. The system combines elements of fixed and floating exchange rates. The CBN will still have to set the exchange rate and make it available to people and businesses. Access is not guaranteed to all, as it is now.
“In conclusion, Atiku’s economic proposals fail to present a viable alternative to Tinubu’s decisive reforms. We encourage him to reassess his approach and repair his reputation as a statesman. The rejection of his proposals in the 2023 election indicates that Nigerians will be reluctant to entertain his future political ambitions.
“President Tinubu remains focused on leading Nigeria toward a prosperous future and addressing our nation’s real challenges. Atiku Abubakar should abandon his politics of distraction and fantasies and focus on constructive discourse.”
Prompted by the sharp hike in the price of cooking gas also called Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, has directed operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other paramilitary to decisively deal with those undermining the sector.
Ekpo, yesterday at a meeting with stakeholders on the rising prices of LPG, specifically directed the phalanx of the security team to apprehend hoarders and stop illegal storage diversion across Nigeria.
According to him, the government would not sit back and allow market forces to thwart its efforts in ensuring availability and affordability of LPG.
“I have directed the NMDPRA to intensify monitoring, engage operators, and work with security agencies to discourage hoarding, eliminate artificial scarcity, and strengthen distribution and pricing transparency.
“Improved supply must be matched by efficient distribution and responsible conduct. Bottlenecks, hoarding, speculative storage, allocation inefficiencies, logistics constraints, and pricing distortions must not undermine public confidence,” he said.
He reassured Nigerians that there is no cause for panic, as the government remains committed to adequate domestic gas supply and to the Decade of Gas Initiative as a pathway for cleaner cooking, industrial growth, and energy security,” stated.
Deputy President of Nigerian Association of LPG Marketers (NALPGAM), Ude Godwin, in his presentation, recalled how the body approached the Minister, the NMDPRA over the escalating price of gas in Nigeria and today’s meeting presented opportunities to enable the stakeholders to address the crisis.
Godwin explained that Since late 2025 into mid-2026: Nigerians have faced repeated LPG scarcity and consequential sharp price hikes despite rising domestic production.
According to him, prices jumped from N1,000/kg in January 2026 to N1,500-1,700/kg by May 2026.
“Prices went in some locations from N2,000-2,500/kg by June 2026. A 20MT truck now costs marketers N28m-N30m as against N14m/20MT when Dangote first supplied LPG in 2025.
“Erratic supply, terminal congestion in Lagos, logistics bottlenecks, and reduced volumes from Dangote Refinery and NLNG. Low buffer stock made any 2-week disruption to trigger panic buying.
“The Nigerian Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers (NALPGAM), led by National President Barr. Edu Inyang has been the main industry voice pushing for intervention to save the situation,” he added.
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Beyond threats and sanctions, the marketer suggested to the government that there should be all domestic LPG producers to demonstrate compliance with domestic supply commitments and ensure adequate volumes are made available to the Nigerian market before exports, saying it will increase product availability and reduce supply disruptions.
He said there should be a joint government-industry monitoring team to track production volumes, depot prices, inventory levels, and distribution patterns across the country, to identify early signals of supply shortages, speculative activities, and market distortions.
He tasked the government to Initiate an urgent review of multiple fees, levies, and charges imposed across the LPG value chain with a view to eliminating duplications and reducing cost burdens on operators. This will bring about lower operating costs and moderation of retail prices.
“Where domestic supply is insufficient, provide a fast-track framework for marketers and investors to import additional LPG volumes, including support for foreign exchange access and streamlined regulatory approvals. This will bridge supply gaps and improve market competition.
“Announce targeted incentives for investment in LPG storage facilities and distribution hubs in underserved regions, particularly Northern Nigeria and major inland consumption centres. This will reduce transportation costs and improve nationwide product availability.
“Set up a standing working group comprising representatives of the Ministry, NMDPRA, producers, terminal operators, NALPGAM and other critical stakeholders to meet periodically and monitor implementation of agreed interventions.
“This will bring about sustained stakeholder engagement, policy coordination, and measurable progress toward supply, availability and stability,” he added.
To bolster energy journalism in Africa, Sahara Group has unveiled the Asharami Square Energy Reporting Fellowship, offering up to $5,000 in grants, mentorship opportunities, and access to industry experts for selected journalists across the continent.
The Fellowship is an extension of Asharami Square, Sahara Group’s flagship thought leadership platform, now in its third edition, focused on sustainability and energy transition.
Themed “Energising Africa’s Energy Future: Legacy, Impact, and Transformation,” this year’s event will bring together industry leaders, policymakers, academia, and the media on July 22, 2026, in Lagos, Nigeria.
The Asharami Energy Reporting Fellowship reflects Sahara Group’s evolution from convening conversations to strengthening the narratives defining Africa’s energy future. Guided by the theme, “Telling Africa’s Energy Story. Shaping Solutions,” it advances solutions-driven reporting on infrastructure gaps, financing, policy trade-offs, and community impact.
Ejiro Gray, Director, Governance and Sustainability at Sahara Group, said the initiative is focused on strengthening the quality of discourse around energy on the continent. “As the energy landscape becomes more complex, the need for accurate, contextual, and impactful reporting becomes even more critical. This Fellowship is designed to support journalists in telling stories that go beyond headlines and uncover the real dynamics shaping Africa’s energy future,” she said.
Bethel Obioma, Head, Corporate Communications, Sahara Group, said the Fellowship extends Asharami Square’s long-standing focus on shaping narratives.
“At Sahara Group, we believe storytelling is a powerful driver of progress. With the Fellowship, we are going a step further to support the storytellers themselves, enabling a new wave of galvanising journalists across Africa to unearth untold energy stories, spotlight practical solutions, and contribute meaningfully to the continent’s energy future,” he said.
“To participate, journalists from across Africa, spanning print, electronic, and digital media, are invited to submit well-well-researched stories via the Fellowships’ portal, www.asharamisquarefellowship.com,” Obioma added.
Entries must be stories published or broadcast between January and October 30, 2026, and should be original, insightful, and accurate. Submissions must align with the Fellowship’s focus on uncovering underreported energy issues and advancing practical, forward-looking solutions for Africa’s energy future.
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An independent jury comprising experts in energy journalism and sustainable development will assess entries.
The Fellowship offers up to $5,000 in funding, combining financial support, immersive learning, mentorship, and high-level exposure to build capacity for shaping Africa’s energy narrative.
The South-West Coordinating Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG), Adegoke Fayoade, has reassured Nigerians that the abducted pupils and teachers in Oyo State will soon regain their freedom as security agencies intensify rescue operations.
Speaking during an official working visit to the Lagos State Police Command Headquarters in Ikeja on Monday, Fayoade expressed confidence that ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies and government authorities would yield positive results in the shortest possible time.
According to him, all available resources are being deployed to secure the safe release of the victims, while security operatives remain focused on rescue efforts rather than engaging in discussions about ransom demands.
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“All agencies, including government authorities, are working tirelessly. I can assure Nigerians that within the shortest possible time, the children and their teachers will be free,” the DIG stated.
Fayoade dismissed reports suggesting that the abductors had altered their demands, insisting that the police were unaware of any negotiations involving ransom payments or the release of suspected accomplices.
“We do not discuss ransom. Our priority is ensuring the safe rescue of those in captivity,” he said.
The senior police officer explained that his visit to Lagos was part of a broader strategy to strengthen supervision across police commands in the South-West and engage officers on effective approaches to tackling emerging security threats.
He disclosed that discussions with officers centered on manpower development, welfare improvement, and operational efficiency.
Fayoade noted that the ongoing recruitment of 40,000 police personnel would help address manpower shortages across the country, while improved welfare packages would boost officers’ morale and effectiveness.
The DIG also highlighted the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to adopting modern technology in crime fighting.
He revealed that efforts were underway to complete a central data centre that would enable security agencies to share intelligence and improve crime detection nationwide.
He added that the force was preparing to introduce artificial intelligence into criminal investigations and intelligence gathering to enhance policing and improve response times.
“Technology remains a major priority. Very soon, our officers will begin specialized training on the use of artificial intelligence in investigations and intelligence operations,” he said.
Fayoade further urged members of the public to cooperate with law enforcement agencies, stressing that effective policing requires mutual trust and respect between officers and citizens.
The assurance comes amid growing concern from parents and residents over the fate of the abducted pupils and teachers, with many hoping for a swift and safe resolution to the incident.
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