Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has reaffirmed his promise to restore Nigeria’s petrol subsidy if elected president in 2027.
Atiku restated his position on Tuesday following criticism over his earlier pledge, making it clear that his position on the controversial policy had not changed.
‘I will restore it’
In a statement shared on his X account, Atiku said:
“On the question of subsidy, my position has not changed and will not change: I will restore it!”
He argued that Nigeria, despite its abundant natural resources, should not allow its citizens to continue experiencing severe economic hardship.
According to the former vice president, the strength of an economy should ultimately be judged by what citizens can afford with the money in their pockets, rather than simply by the amount of revenue collected by government.
Subsidy debate returns ahead of 2027
The issue of petrol subsidy is rapidly becoming one of the major economic and political issues ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
President Bola Tinubu announced the removal of petrol subsidy immediately after assuming office in May 2023. The Federal Government has consistently defended the decision, arguing that it eliminated a costly system and freed resources for government spending and development.
Atiku, however, has questioned how the savings from subsidy removal have been utilised.
The Federal Government has said the reforms generated significant additional resources for the federation. Finance Minister Taiwo Oyedele recently put the resources generated from the subsidy and related reforms at ₦15.8 trillion between June 2023 and December 2025.
Atiku’s position differs from his earlier stance
Atiku’s current promise represents a significant shift from the position he and other major presidential candidates took during the 2023 election campaign.
During that election cycle, Atiku, Tinubu and Peter Obi all supported the eventual removal of petrol subsidy, although they differed on the timing and manner in which the policy should be implemented.
Atiku now argues that the consequences of the policy have placed too much pressure on Nigerian households.
Cost of living at the centre of argument
The ADC candidate has linked the subsidy debate directly to the rising cost of living, arguing that Nigerians should feel the benefits of the country’s resources through lower costs and greater purchasing power.
His proposal is likely to become a major campaign issue as political parties prepare for the 2027 election.
Supporters of subsidy removal argue that retaining the policy would place an unsustainable burden on government finances and potentially recreate the inefficiencies associated with the former subsidy regime.
Those advocating its restoration contend that targeted government intervention could reduce petrol prices, transportation costs and the wider cost of goods and services.
A major 2027 economic fault line
Atiku’s renewed declaration is likely to intensify the debate over subsidy removal, government spending, accountability and the cost of living.
The key question for voters may ultimately be whether restoring a subsidy would provide sustainable relief or simply return Nigeria to the fiscal pressures that prompted successive governments to seek its removal.
With the 2027 election approaching, the subsidy question is set to remain a major dividing line between Atiku’s ADC and the Tinubu administration.
OnPointGist will continue to track the major economic and political issues shaping Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general election.
