Atiku Disowns Aide, Insists ‘I Will Restore Subsidy’

Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has reaffirmed his commitment to restoring petrol subsidy if elected president in 2027.

Atiku made the clarification on Tuesday while distancing himself from comments attributed to one of his aides, who had suggested that the subsidy would eventually be phased out after the Nigerian economy recovered.

The former Vice President said his position on the matter remained unchanged and insisted that he would restore the subsidy if elected.

“I want to repeat categorically that when I said I would return to subsidy, I will! Nigeria is rich enough to look after the welfare of its citizens,” Atiku said.

He also stressed that the aide had not been authorised to speak on his behalf on the issue.

The clarification comes amid renewed debate over the removal of petrol subsidy and its impact on Nigerians, particularly following continued increases in fuel prices and the broader cost-of-living crisis.

President Bola Tinubu removed the petrol subsidy at his inauguration on May 29, 2023. The policy led to a sharp increase in petrol prices and contributed to rising transportation and living costs.

Atiku had previously reignited the subsidy debate by questioning how the savings from its removal had been utilised.

He said he initially did not oppose subsidy removal but wanted the government to account for the savings and demonstrate how they had been used to improve healthcare, education and security.

Atiku subsequently pledged that he would restore the subsidy if elected, arguing that Nigerians had not benefited sufficiently from the removal.

His position has attracted criticism from some political figures and policy groups, who have questioned the economic sustainability of returning to subsidy.

However, Atiku has sought to distinguish his proposal from the previous subsidy regime, indicating that any intervention under his administration would be targeted and subject to measures designed to prevent the leakages associated with the former system.

The former Vice President maintained that government support should be assessed based on whether it delivers meaningful economic benefits to Nigerians.

The subsidy debate is expected to remain a major issue ahead of the 2027 presidential election, particularly as political parties and candidates present competing approaches to addressing Nigeria’s energy costs and broader economic challenges.