
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has publicly criticized President Bola Tinubu for his handling of the fuel subsidy crisis, labeling him “TPain” in a recent tweet. Atiku argues that the current economic challenges facing Nigeria stem from what he describes as the “haphazard and disingenuous approach” of Tinubu’s administration to managing fuel subsidies.
In his statement, Atiku expressed alarm over the rising inflation rate in Nigeria, asserting that it is severely affecting the daily lives of citizens. He remarked, “The current administration’s mishandling of fuel subsidy management has directly contributed to our ongoing economic crisis. As it stands, there is no relief in sight from the surging inflation that is undermining the well-being of our citizens.”
Atiku further lamented that, despite the increasing hardships, President Tinubu seems largely indifferent to the struggles of the Nigerian people. “It is particularly troubling that ‘TPain’ remains undisturbed by the difficulties faced by many Nigerians,” he added.
The nickname ‘TPain’ for Tinubu is a clever play on the first letter of his name and the American rapper T-Pain, reflecting public frustration over the rising cost of living during his administration. The term first appeared on social media in April 2024 but gained significant traction around September 16 during discussions about the President’s visit to Maiduguri to console flood victims.
This evolving conversation highlights a growing discontent among Nigerians, as the term has spread across popular platforms like X and Instagram.
As the fuel subsidy crisis continues to impact the economy, many are calling for urgent reforms and a more effective response from the Tinubu administration.