Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the former Vice President of Nigeria and the presidential candidate for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the upcoming 2027 elections, has made a bold promise to reinstate the fuel subsidy regime if he wins the presidency. This announcement comes as a direct critique of the current administration led by President Bola Tinubu, which removed the subsidy in May 2023.

Atiku argues that the removal of the subsidy has not benefited the Nigerian populace, as it has led to a significant increase in the prices of goods and services, exacerbating the economic hardships faced by many citizens. In a recent interview on social media, he expressed his concerns over the impact of the subsidy removal, questioning where the funds have gone. "I initially did not oppose the removal of the fuel subsidy. But now that it has been removed, where is the money? Where has the subsidy money gone? Has it been used to improve healthcare, education or security?" Atiku stated.

Despite the current administration's claims of increased monthly allocations to states and the initiation of various infrastructure projects, Atiku remains skeptical about the effectiveness of these measures in addressing the needs of the Nigerian people. He emphasized that if elected, he would not only restore the fuel subsidy but also demand accountability from those who have mishandled subsidy funds. "If I win the presidential election, I will restore the subsidy. And anyone who stole Nigeria’s subsidy funds must return the money," he added.

Atiku's pledge to reinstate the subsidy is part of his broader campaign strategy as he prepares to face off against incumbent President Bola Tinubu and Peter Obi, the candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). The 2027 elections are shaping up to be a critical moment for Nigeria, with economic issues at the forefront of the political discourse. As the election date approaches, the debate over the fuel subsidy and its implications for the Nigerian economy will likely intensify, influencing voter sentiment across the nation.