Precious Nwonu, Enugu
The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Atiku Abubakar, has reaffirmed his commitment to restoring petrol subsidy if elected president in 2027, arguing that the policy would reduce the financial burden on Nigerians.
The former Vice-President restated his position in a post on X on Monday, alongside a campaign video outlining how his proposed subsidy arrangement would work.
“My position stands! I will restore subsidy to make life easier and more affordable for Nigerians,” Atiku wrote.
In the video, a female narrator highlighted the high cost of petrol in Nigeria, which she said had exceeded ₦1,300 per litre, while comparing fuel prices with those in other crude oil-producing countries, including Libya, Iran, Venezuela, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.
The video explained that Atiku’s proposed subsidy would focus on petrol produced by local refineries rather than imported products.
It also featured a statement attributed to the ADC candidate, in which he insisted that his position on subsidy remained unchanged.
“My position has not changed and will not change. I will restore it,” he said.
The campaign video added that the proposed support for domestic refineries would remain in place until the industry became capable of operating without government assistance.
Atiku’s pledge comes amid continued debate over the removal of petrol subsidy by President Bola Tinubu’s administration in May 2023.
Tinubu announced the decision during his inauguration, arguing that the government could no longer sustain the rising cost of subsidy. He said the savings would be redirected towards infrastructure, education, healthcare and job creation.
Atiku has consistently criticised the effects of the policy and included its reversal among his promises ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
During the ADC presidential campaign flag-off in Sokoto on November 4, he also promised to reopen Nigeria’s land borders for legitimate trade and address insecurity if elected.
The 2027 presidential election is scheduled for January 16, while the Independent National Electoral Commission has fixed February 6 for governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections.
Atiku secured the ADC presidential ticket in May, marking his seventh attempt to become Nigeria’s president.
However, a Federal High Court in Abuja on November 5 nullified his nomination and decisions taken by the party’s David Mark-led leadership.
The ADC has since appealed the judgment and filed an application seeking a stay of execution.
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