African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has alleged that President Bola Tinubu may temporarily restore petrol subsidy following a planned protest by transport operators in Lagos.
Atiku made the claim on Friday during a world press conference in Abuja, amid renewed concerns over rising petrol prices and the impact on transportation and the cost of living.
According to the former vice president, the planned protest by Lagos transporters could provide an opportunity for the Federal Government to introduce temporary relief at the pump.
Atiku alleged that such an intervention could be reversed after the 2027 presidential election.
He said: “Let me also caution Nigerians that in the next few days there may be a demonstration by Lagos transporters and this will provide Bola Tinubu the excuse to temporarily provide succour by bringing back fuel subsidy and, after being re-elected, go back to the same old policy.”
Atiku has repeatedly advocated for a form of petrol subsidy if elected president in 2027. He has recently clarified that his proposal would focus on supporting domestic refining and production rather than returning to the former system of subsidising imported petrol.
President Tinubu announced the removal of petrol subsidy during his inauguration on May 29, 2023. The policy was followed by significant increases in petrol prices and higher transportation and living costs.
The fuel subsidy debate has since remained a major issue ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with Atiku and the Tinubu administration offering different positions on how fuel prices and the broader cost-of-living crisis should be addressed.
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