Atiku Reaffirms Fuel Subsidy Restoration Pledge, Says Position Stands
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has reaffirmed his commitment to restoring fuel subsidy if elected president in the 2027 general elections, insisting that his position on the controversial policy remains unchanged.
Atiku made the declaration on Monday, November 9, in a post on his official X account, @atiku, accompanied by a new video in which he restated his plan to make life more affordable for Nigerians.
“My position stands! I will restore subsidy to make life easier and more affordable for Nigerians,” the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate wrote.
The renewed declaration comes amid growing political debate over the removal of petrol subsidy by President Bola Tinubu’s administration and its impact on the cost of living.
Atiku has argued that restoring subsidy would help reduce energy and transportation costs, ease the burden on households and improve the purchasing power of Nigerians.
However, the former vice-president has clarified that his proposal is not a return to the old subsidy arrangement, which he believes was vulnerable to corruption and abuse.
Instead, he has proposed a transparent, production-based subsidy tied to crude oil refined locally, with the aim of reducing the cost of petroleum products while supporting domestic refineries.
Under the proposed arrangement, government intervention would be directed towards locally refined petroleum products rather than subsidising imported fuel, with monitoring mechanisms intended to ensure that consumers benefit from the policy.
Atiku’s renewed pledge also follows his recent campaign engagements in Sokoto and Kebbi states, where he promised to address insecurity, create employment opportunities and reduce the economic pressure on Nigerians.
The proposal contrasts with his position during the 2023 presidential election campaign, when he supported the removal of fuel subsidy, describing the existing arrangement as unsustainable.
President Tinubu announced the removal of petrol subsidy during his inauguration on May 29, 2023, a decision that triggered sharp increases in petrol prices, transportation fares and the cost of goods and services.
The President has repeatedly defended the policy, maintaining that Nigeria cannot afford to return to the subsidy regime.
Atiku’s latest declaration therefore places fuel subsidy restoration among the major economic policy differences likely to shape the debate ahead of the 2027 presidential election.