Atiku will take on the incumbent President and candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, in the 2027 presidential election.
By Kehinde Okeowo
African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has had a change of heart regarding the subsidy regime, pledging to reinstate the scheme if he emerges as the Nigerian president in 2027.
He made the promise while speaking during a Facebook Live session, where he addressed questions surrounding the removal of the petrol subsidy and its effect on Nigerians.
President Bola Tinubu announced the immediate removal of the fuel subsidy during his inaugural presidential address in May 2023.
Since its implementation, the policy has exacerbated the economic difficulties faced by citizens, with the prices of goods and services soaring to unprecedented levels.
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Nevertheless, the current administration has justified the decision, stating that the removal has increased monthly allocations to states and helped to fund infrastructure projects across the nation, among other things.
However, despite previously being a proponent of removing the fuel subsidy, Atiku has now pledged to reinstate the scheme if voters give him the mandate to lead the country in the 2027 election.
According to the former Vice President, the removal of the fuel subsidy by President Bola Tinubu’s administration has not yielded any benefit for Nigeria.
“I initially did not oppose the removal of the fuel subsidy. But now that it has been removed, where is the money? Where has the subsidy money gone? Has it been used to improve healthcare, education, or security?
“If I win the presidential election, I will restore the subsidy. And anyone who stole Nigeria’s subsidy funds must return the money,” Atiku said.
