Atiku Reacts As Tinubu Uses The Story Of Moses And Red Sea To Explain Why He Won’t Return Subsidy

According to a report published on the official X account of Daily Trust on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, former Nigerian Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu following his use of the biblical story of Moses and the Red Sea to explain why the Federal Government would not restore the petroleum subsidy.

The exchange followed remarks by Tinubu during an engagement with members of the City Boys Movement, where he referred to the challenges Moses encountered while leading the Israelites out of Egypt. The President used the biblical account to respond to political opponents who have advocated the return of the fuel subsidy.

Tinubu explained that the Israelites faced difficulties before the Red Sea parted, allowing them to continue their journey. He drew a comparison between their experience and the economic challenges Nigerians are currently facing, suggesting that the country should continue moving forward rather than return to its previous subsidy arrangement.

“I listen to my political opponents promising the return of subsidy. I remember my scripture studies in either the Bible or the Holy Quran. When Moses left Egypt, they faced the challenge, the Red Sea parted and gave way. You can not ask Moses to go back to Egypt”.

Tinubu’s comments generated a political response from Atiku, who challenged the comparison and criticised the President’s handling of the country’s economic situation. The former Vice President argued that Nigerians were experiencing significant hardship under the current administration.

According to the Daily Trust report, Atiku described Tinubu as the Egypt Nigerians were attempting to escape, drawing a parallel between the President’s leadership and the biblical Pharaoh who opposed Moses and the Israelites.

“At least Pharaoh knew he was holding people captive. Tinubu watches families cut meals, workers spend their salaries on transport and businesses struggle to keep their lights on, then tells them a story about Moses.

“He may quote scripture, but he governs like Pharaoh, Herod and Ahab combined”.

The remarks highlight the continuing disagreement between the two political figures over the government’s economic policies, particularly the removal of the petroleum subsidy and its consequences for households and businesses.

Since the subsidy was removed, the policy has remained a major subject of national debate, with supporters arguing that it reduces the government’s financial burden while critics have called attention to the rising cost of living and transportation.

Atiku’s response adds to the political exchanges ahead of the 2027 general election, as opposition figures continue to question the administration’s economic decisions and the government maintains its position on the reforms.

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