The Presidential Candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Atiku Abubakar, has reiterated his commitment to restoring petrol subsidy if elected president in 2027, saying the move would ease the financial pressure on Nigerians and make fuel more affordable.
Atiku states that restoring the subsidy remained necessary to reduce the burden of rising petrol prices on citizens.
Atiku restated his position in an online video post on Monday, outlining that his proposed subsidy policy would curb looting of funds with regards to indulging in the subsidy.
His pledge comes against the backdrop of the removal of petrol subsidy by President Bola Tinubu’s administration in May 2023, a policy that has continued to generate debate over its impact on the cost of living.
Tinubu announced the removal during his inauguration, arguing that the government could no longer sustain the rising subsidy bill and would redirect the savings to infrastructure, education, healthcare and job creation.
Atiku has consistently criticised the policy and made its reversal one of his campaign promises ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
At the ADC presidential campaign flag-off in Sokoto on November 4, he also pledged to restore petrol subsidy, reopen the country’s land borders for legitimate trade and tackle insecurity if elected.
The Independent National Electoral Commission has scheduled the presidential election for January 16, 2027, with governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections fixed for February 6.
Atiku secured the ADC presidential ticket in May for his seventh presidential bid. However, a Federal High Court in Abuja nullified his nomination and decisions taken by the party’s David Mark-led leadership on November 5.
The ADC has appealed the ruling and applied for a stay of execution.