Atiku Vows to Restore Petrol Subsidy to Ease Nigerians’ Hardship

The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has reiterated his commitment to restoring petrol subsidy if elected president in 2027, saying the policy would make life easier and more affordable for Nigerians.

Atiku reaffirmed his position in a post on X on Monday, alongside a campaign video outlining his proposed subsidy framework.

“My position stands! I will restore subsidy to make life easier and more affordable for Nigerians,” the former Vice-President declared.

The campaign video highlighted the high cost of petrol in Nigeria, noting that the product sells for over ₦1,300 per litre, while citizens in other oil-producing countries, including Libya, Iran, Venezuela, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, reportedly enjoy cheaper fuel.

According to the video, Atiku’s proposed subsidy arrangement would focus exclusively on petrol produced by domestic refineries, rather than imported petroleum products.

The video also quoted the ADC presidential candidate as insisting that his commitment remained unchanged.

“My position has not changed and will not change. I will restore it,” Atiku said.

It explained that the proposed intervention would support locally refined petroleum products until domestic refineries could operate sustainably without government assistance.

Atiku’s renewed pledge comes against the backdrop of the removal of petrol subsidy by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration in May 2023.

Tinubu announced the policy during his inauguration, arguing that the government could no longer sustain the increasing financial burden of subsidy payments. He subsequently promised to channel the savings into infrastructure, education, healthcare and employment generation.

However, Atiku has consistently criticised the economic consequences of the policy, making subsidy restoration a key component of his 2027 presidential campaign.

Speaking at the ADC presidential campaign flag-off in Sokoto on November 4, Atiku also pledged to restore petrol subsidy, reopen Nigeria’s land borders for legitimate trade and address insecurity if elected.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has scheduled the 2027 presidential election for January 16, while governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections are slated for February 6.

Atiku secured the ADC presidential ticket in May, setting the stage for his seventh attempt at the Nigerian presidency.