Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s management of the fuel subsidy crisis, labeling him “TPain” in a tweet on Thursday.
Atiku linked Nigeria’s current economic difficulties to what he called the “haphazard and disingenuous approach” of the Tinubu administration in handling fuel subsidies.
In his statement, Atiku expressed concern over the rising inflation rate, emphasizing its detrimental effect on the lives of Nigerians.
He lamented that despite the worsening hardships, Tinubu seems indifferent to the struggles faced by the citizens.
“The haphazard and disingenuous approach of the current administration to fuel subsidy management has been the reason we are in this current economic crisis in the country.
“As things stand, there will be no let up in the escalating inflation rate, which is drowning the material well-being of Nigerians.
“It is even more worrying that T-pain is undisturbed by the hardship in the country,” Atiku wrote.
The nickname “TPain” for Tinubu originated as a play on the first letter of his name and the name of American rapper and producer T-Pain, driven by frustrations over the rising cost of living during his administration.
According to Peoples Gazette, the earliest reference to the term on social media can be traced back to April 2024.
However, it gained notable popularity around September 16, when a user on X used it while commenting on the President’s visit to Maiduguri to console flood victims.
The term has since gained traction on platforms such as X and Instagram.