Atiku Abubakar says Nigerians should expect fuel subsidy to return if he wins the 2027 presidential election.
The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) made the declaration while receiving party leaders from Osun State, rejecting a recent explanation from one of his spokespersons about what his administration would do with the subsidy.
Atiku contradicts spokesperson
Paul Ibe had said during a television interview that an Atiku-led government would initially restore the subsidy before eventually phasing it out.
Atiku, however, distanced himself from that position.
He said statements made by the media or his representatives should not be taken as a substitute for his own position, insisting that his commitment to restoring fuel subsidy remains unchanged.
The former vice president argued that Nigeria has sufficient resources to provide relief to citizens facing rising living costs.
Why Atiku wants subsidy back
Atiku framed the policy around purchasing power rather than government revenue.
His argument is that economic strength should be judged by what ordinary Nigerians can afford with their earnings—not simply by how much money the government collects.
He said his priorities would include:
- Making wages more valuable in real terms
- Reducing transportation costs for farmers and businesses
- Lowering the pressure of food and energy prices on households
- Supporting domestic production
- Improving Nigerians’ purchasing power
According to Atiku, the effects of higher fuel prices spread throughout the economy. More expensive petrol pushes up transportation costs, which then increases the cost of moving goods and ultimately raises food prices.
He said restoring targeted relief would be aimed at interrupting that cycle.
“Relief, not an import racket”
Atiku also sought to distinguish his proposed policy from the system of fuel imports and subsidies that previously attracted widespread criticism.
He said his intention would be to provide targeted economic relief without reviving the practices he described as an import racket.
The former vice president linked the policy to his broader promise to make everyday life more affordable and strengthen Nigerian production.
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A direct challenge to Tinubu’s economic policy
Atiku’s position places fuel subsidy at the centre of his criticism of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic programme.
Tinubu removed the long-standing petrol subsidy shortly after taking office in 2023, triggering a sharp increase in fuel prices and contributing to broader cost-of-living pressures.
Atiku argued that the resulting increase in energy, transportation and food costs has placed too much strain on households.
He said his proposed approach would focus on economic security, physical security and improved living standards.
Atiku’s 2027 message
The subsidy debate is likely to remain a major issue ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
For Atiku, the argument goes beyond the price of petrol. He is presenting subsidy restoration as part of a wider economic programme designed to put more purchasing power back into Nigerians’ hands.
His message to voters is direct: a future government should measure economic success by whether people can afford to live, work and grow—not simply by government revenue figures.