Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has reaffirmed his pledge to restore fuel subsidy if elected president in 2027, distancing himself from comments by one of his media aides suggesting the policy would eventually be phased out.
Atiku made the clarification in Abuja while receiving the Osun State leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), insisting that his position on subsidy had not changed.
He said a previous statement by one of his press aides did not reflect his position or carry his authority.
“Earlier, one of my Press Aides contradicted me in a policy statement as far as subsidy is concerned. I want to repeat categorically that when I said I would return to Subsidy, I will! Nigeria is rich enough to look after the welfare of its citizens. Let it be clearly stated that he was not speaking on my own authority!” — Atiku Abubakar.
The former vice-president said his proposed intervention would focus on easing the pressure of rising fuel, transport and food costs on Nigerians.
Atiku has also distinguished his proposal from the former import-based subsidy regime, saying his plan would involve targeted support aimed at domestic refining and reducing energy costs.
His latest clarification follows comments by his media aide, Paul Ibe, who had suggested that the proposed subsidy would be temporary and gradually phased out as economic conditions improved.
Atiku’s reaffirmation puts fuel subsidy firmly back at the centre of the economic debate ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
