Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Atiku Abubakar, has vowed to restore fuel subsidy if elected President of Nigeria in the 2027 general election.
Atiku made the pledge during a media interview on Wednesday while discussing the impact of the removal of fuel subsidy under the administration of President Bola Tinubu and the economic hardship confronting Nigerians.
The former Vice President criticised the subsidy removal, arguing that Nigerians had yet to see meaningful benefits from the savings generated by the policy.
Tinubu announced the removal of the petrol subsidy on May 29, 2023, during his inauguration as President, declaring that “subsidy is gone.”
The announcement immediately altered the downstream petroleum sector, with petrol prices rising sharply and transportation, food and other living costs increasing across the country.
More than three years after the policy was introduced, subsidy removal remains one of the most contentious economic decisions of the Tinubu administration, with supporters arguing that it has reduced the financial burden on government while critics maintain that the gains have not translated into improved living conditions for ordinary Nigerians.
Speaking during the interview, Atiku questioned how the savings from subsidy removal had been utilised, insisting that Nigerians deserved greater accountability from the government.
According to him, the resources saved from subsidy payments should have been directed towards addressing some of the country’s most pressing social challenges.
“There is nothing to show for the money,” Atiku said.
He questioned the government over the whereabouts of the funds, asking, “Where is the money?”
The ADC presidential candidate said the money should have been used to tackle poverty, reduce the number of out-of-school children and address other pressing challenges affecting Nigerians.
He was subsequently asked whether he would restore the fuel subsidy if elected President in 2027.
Responding directly, Atiku said, “I will restore it, and anyone who has stolen the money will return it.”
The declaration represents a significant position in the emerging debate ahead of the 2027 presidential election, as political parties and candidates continue to present alternative approaches to addressing Nigeria’s economic challenges.
Fuel subsidy removal has remained a major political and economic issue since Tinubu assumed office, particularly because of its effect on petrol prices and the cost of transportation and essential commodities.
The Federal Government has maintained that removing the subsidy was necessary to free resources for development and reduce the burden of subsidising petroleum consumption.
However, the policy has faced sustained criticism from opposition figures, labour groups and sections of the public who have argued that the immediate economic consequences have placed considerable pressure on households and businesses.
Atiku’s latest position is expected to intensify the political debate over whether Nigeria should maintain the current policy or return to some form of government intervention in petrol pricing.
The former Vice President has previously advocated major reforms in Nigeria’s petroleum sector.
Ahead of the 2023 general election, Atiku promised to privatise the country’s refineries as part of his proposed reforms aimed at restructuring the petroleum industry and improving efficiency.
His latest pledge to restore fuel subsidy therefore comes within the broader context of his argument that Nigeria’s economic policies should be designed to directly improve the welfare of citizens.
The subsidy debate is also expected to feature prominently in the 2027 election campaign as Nigerians assess competing proposals from presidential candidates on inflation, poverty, unemployment, energy costs and social welfare.
For many households, the removal of the subsidy has been closely associated with increased transportation and food costs, while businesses have also faced higher operating expenses as fuel prices increased.
Atiku’s comments suggest that the issue could become a major campaign point for the ADC as it seeks to challenge the governing All Progressives Congress and present an alternative economic direction to voters.
The former Vice President’s promise to restore the subsidy, coupled with his demand for accountability over the funds saved from its removal, places economic hardship and government spending at the centre of his emerging 2027 campaign message.
The debate is likely to continue as political parties prepare their manifestos and presidential candidates begin outlining their economic programmes ahead of the election.
West Trybe reports that Atiku’s pledge to restore fuel subsidy has opened a fresh political debate over the economic consequences of subsidy removal and how the savings should be managed to improve the welfare of Nigerians.
