President Bola Tinubu has criticised the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, over his pledge to restore fuel subsidy if elected president in 2027.
Speaking at the Presidential Villa on Thursday, Tinubu described Atiku’s position as a demonstration of “serious ignorance” of governance and the economy.
Atiku had, during an interview on Wednesday, promised to reinstate the fuel subsidy regime, arguing that the policy would help ease the economic burden on Nigerians.
Reacting to the proposal, Tinubu said some of his political opponents were advocating a return to subsidies despite the challenges the policy had created for government finances.
“I saw one of my opponents (Atiku) now saying he would go back to subsidies,” Tinubu said.
“That is a demonstration of serious ignorance in governance and economy. Before I came here, 27 states were unable to pay salaries of workers. Not to talk of pensioners.
“But now, states are no longer owing salaries of workers and pensioners, courtesy of subsidy removal.”
Tinubu removed the petrol subsidy shortly after assuming office on May 29, 2023, while his administration also introduced reforms that led to the floating of the naira.
The reforms, however, have triggered significant economic pressures, with the rising cost of petrol contributing to higher transportation, food and other living expenses for millions of Nigerians.
The fuel subsidy remains a major political issue ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with opposition figures and other critics continuing to debate the economic and social impact of its removal.
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