Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has reaffirmed his promise to restore petrol subsidy if elected president in the 2027 general election. Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, made the pledge in a post on X on Tuesday evening. His statement came amid criticism over his plan to bring back the subsidy, which President Bola Tinubu removed after taking office in 2023.
The former vice president said he would introduce a targeted subsidy to ease the rising cost of living and improve Nigerians’ purchasing power.
“On the question of subsidy, my position has not changed and will not change: I will restore it!”
Atiku explains his subsidy plan
Atiku said the proposed subsidy would provide relief for Nigerians while supporting local production. He also promised to reduce energy costs and help businesses remain productive. The ADC candidate linked high petrol prices to rising transportation costs and the increase in food prices. He said the impact eventually reaches families across the country.
“When fuel rises, transport rises. When transport rises, food rises. When food rises, families suffer.”
He said his administration would focus on better wages, support for farmers and lower costs for businesses. The goal, according to Atiku, would be to help Nigerians keep more value from their earnings.
“I want wages to have value again. I want farmers to move produce without transport swallowing their profits. I want families to fill their baskets without emptying their pockets.”
Atiku also said he would support Nigerian production rather than restore what he described as an import racket. His plan, he added, would focus on reducing energy costs and putting more purchasing power in the hands of citizens.
Atiku promises economic relief
The former vice president said his proposed policy would address the pressure created by higher fuel prices. He argued that lower energy costs would help families manage rising expenses and allow farmers to move their goods more affordably. Atiku also promised to improve economic and physical security if elected in 2027. He said his broader goal was to make daily life more affordable for Nigerians.
“I will make the naira in your pocket worth more, make daily living affordable again, and secure our people.”
He said the plan would focus on economic security, physical security and a better standard of living.
tiku said he restated his commitment when he received the Osun State leadership of the ADC in Abuja on Tuesday.
President Tinubu announced the removal of the petrol subsidy on the day he assumed office in May 2023. The decision has remained a major issue in Nigeria’s economic debate, with political parties divided over its effects and the best way to address rising living costs.
Read also: ‘You’re out of your mind’: Obi, Sowore reject Atiku’s subsidy plan
