The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kebbi State has expressed its support for the party's presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, endorsing his proposal to reintroduce a fuel subsidy if he wins the upcoming presidential election. The party believes that a transparent and accountable subsidy system could significantly lower transportation costs and the prices of essential goods, providing relief to Nigerians facing economic challenges.

In a statement released on Sunday, Abubakar Musa, the Deputy Publicity Secretary of the Kebbi ADC, highlighted the pressing economic issues currently affecting the populace, including rising costs of goods and services. The party argues that a well-managed subsidy regime could alleviate the financial burden on low-income households by making transportation and commodities more affordable.

The ADC's support comes at a time when the proposal has drawn criticism from various quarters, particularly from the All Progressives Congress (APC). Aminullah Mustapha, a prominent chieftain of the APC and a petroleum marketer in Kebbi State, has voiced strong opposition to Atiku's plan. Mustapha contends that reinstating the fuel subsidy could lead to a resurgence of corruption and mismanagement similar to that seen in previous subsidy regimes.

Mustapha raised concerns about the historical misuse of funds allocated to petroleum marketers, claiming that many did not deliver the products they were paid for. He stated, “During the subsidy regime, a lot of funds allocated to oil marketers were not going to the designated areas. Funds were allocated to bogus marketers to transport oil tankers, but they ended up collecting the money without transporting any oil.” This criticism underscores the complexities surrounding the fuel subsidy debate in Nigeria, where past experiences have left many wary of the potential for corruption.

Despite the opposition, the ADC remains steadfast in its belief that Atiku's proposal is timely and relevant given the current economic climate. The party's endorsement reflects a growing concern among Nigerians about the rising cost of living and the need for effective measures to address these challenges. As the election approaches, the discourse surrounding fuel subsidies is likely to intensify, with various political factions presenting their arguments for and against the proposal.