Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate for 2027, has pledged to reinstate Nigeria’s fuel subsidy if he wins the presidency.
Reversing his former stance on the issue, the former Vice President contended that the policy change under President Bola Tinubu has failed to deliver tangible benefits to the Nigerian public.
Since Tinubu ended the subsidy during his inaugural address on May 29, 2023, the country has grappled with soaring inflation and severe economic strain.
The current administration, however, maintains that removing the subsidy was necessary, citing higher monthly revenue distributions to state and local governments and expanded investments in national infrastructure.
“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? Has it been used to improve healthcare, education or security?” Atiku said in an interview on social media.
“If I win the presidential election, I will restore the subsidy. And anyone who stole Nigeria’s subsidy funds must return the money,” he added.
PerSecondNews reports that in his presidential bid, Atiku seeks to unseat the incumbent, President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), while also competing against his former vice-presidential running mate, Peter Obi, the standard-bearer for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).