Former Vice President [Atiku Abubakar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atiku_Abubakar) has charged that President [Bola Ahmed Tinubu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bola_Ahmed_Tinubu) is using the [Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nigerian_National_Petroleum_Corporation) (NNPCL) as a cash‑box for his election campaign, turning a promised N66‑per‑litre discount on petrol into a political spectacle.
**What was the allegation?**
Atiku, speaking through his spokesperson Phrank Shaibu in a weekend statement, questioned whether NNPCL still functions as a commercial entity or has become “Tinubu’s campaign money cashier”. He claimed the presidency announced a discount without board approval, cost details, or a clear account of who would bear the expense.
**Key figures and dates**
- The discount of N66 per litre was announced for a 30‑day period, with the finance minister Taiwo Oyedele saying petrol should sell at N1,350 per litre at NNPCL stations.
- Daily Post reports current retail prices in Abuja range between N1,370 and N1,410 per litre.
- Atiku’s statement was released over the weekend preceding the discount’s rollout.
**What did Atiku say?**
He warned, “Tinubu wants Nigerians to cheer for N66 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.”
**How does the Petroleum Industry Act fit in?**
The [Petroleum Industry Act](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petroleum_Industry_Act_(Nigeria)) created NNPCL as a commercial company, yet Atiku argues the presidency is bypassing proper corporate channels, treating the company’s margin as a drawer that can be opened whenever an election approaches.
**What are the practical implications for motorists?**
Atiku highlighted that NNPCL Retail operates just over 900 stations for a nation of about 242 million people, meaning many drivers may have to travel long distances, queue, and use a mobile app to claim the discount, raising doubts about how much of the N66 saving actually reaches consumers.
**Is this a subsidy?**
The administration insists the measure is not a subsidy, but Atiku counters that merely renaming a cost does not make it disappear.
Overall, the controversy underscores tension between the government’s stated intent to ease fuel costs and accusations that the move serves political rather than public interests.