The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has expressed strong disapproval of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar's proposal to reverse the removal of fuel subsidies if he wins the presidency in the upcoming 2027 elections. Yilwatda described Atiku's stance as a troubling policy shift that raises significant concerns about the opposition's readiness to govern Nigeria effectively.

In a statement issued on Monday in Abuja, Yilwatda emphasized that discussions surrounding fuel subsidy reversals should not be reduced to mere election season rhetoric. He articulated that Nigerians deserve more than fleeting promises, particularly when it comes to the implications of reinstating a subsidy regime that has historically placed a heavy burden on public finances.

Yilwatda's remarks came during a visit to the headquarters of the City Boy Movement, where he interacted with the organization's leadership and inspected its facilities. He pointed out that the opposition has been repeatedly challenged over the last three years to present a coherent alternative to the current administration's policies. Yet, he noted, no substantial or convincing plans have emerged from them.

The APC chairman criticized Atiku's timing, suggesting that the proposal was suspiciously presented just months before the elections, after a prolonged silence on a comprehensive governing agenda. He warned that such a reversal of economic adjustments could potentially set the country's development back several years.

“Economic policy cannot be reduced to election-season promises. Nigerians deserve to know precisely where the money will come from,” Yilwatda stated. He further questioned which sectors would bear the financial burden and whether such a policy could be sustained without reopening the fiscal pressures that necessitated the initial reforms.

Yilwatda reiterated that the removal of fuel subsidies was a difficult but essential decision, one that required accompanying measures to mitigate its impact on the populace. He asserted that true leadership involves making tough choices and effectively communicating those decisions to the citizens, rather than merely promising immediate relief for electoral gain.

The APC chairman urged Nigerians to critically evaluate the economic proposals of all presidential candidates ahead of the 2027 elections. He emphasized the importance of distinguishing between policies aimed at addressing structural issues and those that merely offer short-term political appeal, which could lead to long-term fiscal challenges.

In his critique of the opposition, Yilwatda highlighted the lack of ideological consistency among its members, noting that politicians who frequently switch parties may not provide the stability and clarity necessary for governance in a complex nation like Nigeria. He contrasted this with the political consistency demonstrated by President Bola Tinubu and Vice-President Kashim Shettima throughout their careers.

Yilwatda concluded by stating that the APC-led administration is committed to implementing policies that foster a more productive and investment-friendly economy. He warned that reversing the current reforms without a credible alternative could undermine investor confidence and jeopardize the progress made under the present government. As the 2027 elections approach, he called for a contest of ideas and credible policy alternatives rather than a competition of appealing promises designed solely to secure votes.