In a bold assertion of his political agenda, Atiku Abubakar, the African Democratic Congress’s presidential hopeful, has once again pledged to reinstate the petrol subsidy if he secures the presidency in 2027. This declaration comes amid efforts to dissociate his stance from recent remarks made by his media aide, Paul Ibe.
During a meeting on Tuesday with the Osun State leadership of the ADC in Abuja, Atiku emphasized the consistency of his views on the subsidy issue, distancing himself from any narrative that suggests otherwise.
He stated unequivocally, “I want to repeat categorically that when I said I would return to subsidy, I will!” While asserting his authority, Atiku made it clear that Ibe’s comments did not reflect his official standpoint.
Atiku explains proposed subsidy plan
Previously, Ibe had announced on AIT that Atiku’s administration would initially reinstate the petrol subsidy before gradually eliminating it, once economic conditions permitted a stable transition.
Yet, Atiku’s camp sought to highlight a critical nuance, explaining that this proposed move would not replicate the old import-dependent subsidy framework. Instead, it aims to be a refined approach adapted to the nation’s evolving economic landscape.
According to Atiku’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, the policy would involve a targeted, capped and transparently budgeted intervention supporting domestic refining and production.
Atiku said, “A nation as blessed as ours has no business abandoning its citizens to hardship.”
The proposal would reportedly involve supplying crude oil to local refiners at discounted prices, with the aim of reducing production costs and, ultimately, petrol and diesel prices.
Subsidy debate returns ahead of 2027
The renewed debate comes after President Bola Tinubu removed petrol subsidy at his inauguration on May 29, 2023, contributing to a sharp rise in fuel prices and wider living costs.
Atiku has argued that Nigerians need relief from high transport, food and production costs, while the Federal Government has defended subsidy removal as necessary for economic reform.
His latest position places the subsidy debate firmly back at the centre of the 2027 presidential contest, with Atiku presenting his proposal as a temporary production-support measure rather than a return to the former import-driven system.