Atiku: Fuel Subsidy Removal Taking Toll on Nigerians — Ologbondiyan

A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, Kola Ologbondiyan, has criticised the Federal Government’s fuel subsidy removal, saying the policy is taking a toll on Nigerians.

Ologbondiyan made the statement on Monday while backing the position of the ADC presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, on the controversial subsidy policy.

Speaking on Sunrise Daily, the ADC chieftain warned that the continued impact of subsidy removal could worsen economic hardship for citizens.

He also cautioned President Bola Tinubu’s administration that the policy could ultimately have negative consequences for both Nigerians and the government.

According to Ologbondiyan, the hardship associated with the removal of petrol subsidy remains a major concern that requires urgent attention from the Federal Government.

His comments came amid renewed disagreement between Atiku and Tinubu over the future of petrol subsidy in Nigeria.

The former Vice President has recently advocated a review of the policy, while the Tinubu administration has maintained its position on the removal of the subsidy, which the President announced during his inauguration at Eagle Square in Abuja in 2023.

The subsidy removal has since become one of the major issues shaping Nigeria’s economic and political debate, particularly ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Supporters of the policy argue that removing the subsidy has freed government resources for infrastructure and other public spending, while critics contend that the resulting increase in fuel prices has significantly raised transportation, food and living costs.

Ologbondiyan’s comments add to the growing political debate over whether the Federal Government should maintain its current approach or introduce measures to reduce the burden on citizens.

The ADC has continued to position Atiku’s economic proposals as an alternative approach ahead of the 2027 election, with fuel pricing and the wider cost-of-living crisis expected to remain key campaign issues.

For the Tinubu administration, the controversy presents another challenge as it seeks to defend its economic reforms while addressing concerns over their impact on ordinary Nigerians.