2027: Atiku Pledges to Revive Kolmani Oil Project If Elected President

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has promised to revive petroleum exploration at the Kolmani oil field, located along the boundary between Bauchi and Gombe states, if elected president in 2027.

Atiku made the pledge on Saturday, November 14, 2026, during the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential campaign rally in Bauchi State.

He told supporters that his administration would continue the exploitation of petroleum resources in the Kolmani area to expand Nigeria’s sources of revenue and promote economic development in the North-East.

The former vice-president also promised to restore petrol subsidy and introduce electricity subsidies as part of his proposed economic policies.

“I have already promised all Nigerians that I will restore petroleum subsidy. Not only that, I will also restore subsidy in power, electricity power,” he said.

Atiku further promised to strengthen security in the North-East and across the country, urging residents to support the ADC and its candidates in the 2027 elections.

He called on supporters to participate in the electoral process and protect their votes from the presidential election through the state assembly polls.

The Kolmani Integrated Development Project was inaugurated in November 2022 by former President Muhammadu Buhari. The project is located on the border of Bauchi and Gombe states and was designed to support petroleum exploration and industrial development.

Its proposed components include a refinery with a capacity of 250,000 barrels per day, a 350-megawatt power plant and a fertiliser facility designed to produce 2,000 tonnes.

However, the project has faced delays in the commencement of drilling and other major operations.

In 2024, Gombe State Governor Inuwa Yahaya expressed concern over the delay, attributing some of the challenges to issues involving the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited and project partners.

Atiku’s pledge places the revival of the project among the economic and infrastructure commitments he is presenting to voters ahead of the 2027 election.