Former Vice President and 2027 presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has made a major promise that could reshape the debate over Nigeria’s fuel subsidy policy.
Atiku said he would restore fuel subsidy if elected president in 2027, arguing that its removal under President Bola Tinubu has failed to deliver the benefits Nigerians were promised.
Tinubu scrapped the petrol subsidy in his May 2023 inauguration speech, a move that triggered a sharp rise in fuel prices and contributed to higher costs of goods and services across the country.
While the Tinubu administration has maintained that subsidy removal has freed up funds for states and enabled increased spending on infrastructure and other areas, Atiku insists Nigerians are yet to see sufficient benefits.
Speaking during an interview shared on social media, Atiku said he initially did not oppose the subsidy removal but questioned what had happened to the funds saved since its abolition.
“I initially did not oppose the removal of the fuel subsidy. But now that it has been removed, where is the money? Where has the subsidy money gone?”»
He questioned whether the savings had been adequately channelled into critical sectors such as healthcare, education and security.
Atiku then made his position clear, saying he would reverse the policy if elected.
“If I win the presidential election, I will restore the subsidy. And anyone who stole Nigeria’s subsidy funds must return the money,” he said.»
The declaration adds a fresh dimension to the 2027 presidential race, as Atiku seeks to challenge President Tinubu and other opposition figures ahead of the election.
With fuel subsidy remaining one of Nigeria’s most controversial economic issues, Atiku’s promise is likely to trigger further debate over whether the policy should remain scrapped or be brought back under a new administration.
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