President Bola Tinubu has ruled out a return to fuel subsidy, insisting the policy belongs to Nigeria’s past as he promised economic recovery, prosperity and more opportunities for Nigerians if re-elected in 2027.
Tinubu spoke on Saturday at the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign flag-off in Kaduna, where he defended his administration’s economic reforms amid criticism over rising living costs and the hardship associated with petrol subsidy removal.
“What is past is past. Fuel subsidy is in our past. No more corruption, no more falsification of invoices, no more lies and no more smuggling,” the President declared.
His remarks place fuel subsidy removal and its economic consequences among the issues likely to feature prominently in the build-up to the 2027 general elections.
Tinubu blames previous governments for hunger
The President said his administration was working to tackle hunger and poverty, which he attributed to the policies and actions of previous governments.
“I hear my opponents talking about hunger. Who created it? They did. They created hunger and poverty. We are trying to eradicate them,” he said.
Tinubu expressed confidence that his economic policies would deliver recovery and improve living conditions, urging Nigerians not to be swayed by criticism from opposition politicians.
“We have prosperity, consistency, growth, recovery and opportunity. I assure you of that,” he said.
He also pointed to regular salary payments by governments and the developmental activities of APC governors as evidence of progress under the ruling party.
“Our governors are working, and I am proud of them. They are developing their states,” Tinubu added.
Tinubu seeks second term in Kaduna
The President thanked Kaduna residents for supporting him during the 2023 presidential election and appealed to them to renew their backing in 2027.
He said a second term would enable his administration to consolidate its policies and fulfil its development promises.
“I must thank you for your participation in the past elections. You gave me joy, and I will always remember the victory you gave me to become President.
“I have come again to thank you and seek your mandate for a second term to fulfil our promise of prosperity, continuity, progress and development,” he said.
Tinubu also appealed to young Nigerians to support his re-election bid, promising that they would benefit from opportunities his administration intended to create.
“To you, the children of our country, we promise prosperity in our second term. You will not regret going to the polls,” he said.
President urges voters to obtain PVCs
The President asked supporters whether they had obtained their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), urging them to participate in the forthcoming elections.
He also called on APC supporters to vote for the party’s candidates in governorship, Senate, House of Representatives and state House of Assembly elections.
“Come January 2027, on January 16, you must go out en masse to elect me again. APC all the way!” he declared.
Tinubu urged voters to scrutinise political promises and resist what he described as attempts by opposition politicians to mislead them.
“Your prosperity is here. Your good fortune is in your hands. Your fingerprints will reflect this. Be careful. Watch them. Do not let them lie to you,” he said.
He commended APC governors and party leaders for their support, praising what he described as development across states governed by the party. He also thanked the party’s youth supporters and reiterated his promise of a better future for Nigerians.
Fuel subsidy debate ahead of 2027 elections
Tinubu’s renewed rejection of a return to fuel subsidy comes amid continued public concern over the cost of living, transport expenses and household incomes following the policy’s removal.
While his administration maintains that its economic reforms will ultimately deliver growth and prosperity, opposition figures have criticised the hardship Nigerians have experienced.
The impact of the reforms, alongside competing promises from political parties, is expected to remain a key issue as voters assess the government’s record and the proposals presented ahead of the 2027 general elections.
