Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has launched a scathing critique of President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, labeling them destructive to local employment and private sector sustainability.
The remarks follow the official departure of ride-hailing giant Uber from the Nigerian market after 12 years of operation, which took effect on September 2, 2026.
While Uber officially attributed its exit to a routine internal review of corporate investment priorities across Africa, Atiku argued that the true catalysts were deteriorating macroeconomic conditions and collapsing consumer purchasing power.
Speaking through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku emphasized that the current economic climate has made day-to-day operations unsustainable for both drivers and passengers.
“Dear @officialABAT, Uber did not leave because Nigerians stopped needing rides. It left because, under your economy, passengers could no longer afford the fares and drivers could no longer earn enough to feed their families,” Shaibu stated.
The statement pointed to escalating operational overheads—such as soaring fuel prices, inflated vehicle maintenance costs, exchange rate volatility, and new regulatory fees—as critical pressure points for transport businesses.
“Fuel went up. Spare parts, car loans and repairs went up. The naira fell. Then came more taxes and licence fees from your Taiwo Oyedele,” Shaibu noted. “He brought a stealth tax on movement. Before passengers reach their destinations, your government has already emptied their pockets.”
According to the ADC candidate, fixed consumer budgets created an impossible dilemma for the platform, which could neither raise fare algorithms without crushing demand nor keep them low while drivers operated at a loss.
“Uber could not increase fares because Nigerians were already struggling. It could not keep fares low because drivers were losing money. After 12 years, it packed its bags, leaving behind lost jobs, lost incomes and more worried families,” the statement added.
Concluding the critique, Atiku called for an immediate pivot toward economic interventions focused on reducing basic living expenses and stabilizing operating conditions for businesses across the country.
“Mr. Bola, stop calling this reform. Any policy that empties pockets, kills jobs and drives businesses out of Nigeria is organised hardship and wickedness raised to an ontological level. You @officialABAT made life expensive. Atiku will make Nigeria affordable again.”
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