The African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has alleged that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu may temporarily restore the fuel subsidy following a planned protest by transport operators in Lagos State.
Atiku made the claim on Friday during a world press conference, where he warned Nigerians that any possible return of the subsidy could be temporary.
According to the former vice president, the planned demonstration by Lagos transporters could provide the Tinubu administration with an opportunity to introduce temporary relief measures, including a return of the fuel subsidy, ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Atiku said such a measure could subsequently be reversed if Tinubu secures re-election in 2027.
“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 of bringing back fuel subsidy and after being re-elected, go back to the same old policy,” he said.
Atiku has also pledged to restore the fuel subsidy if elected president in 2027.
President Tinubu announced the end of the petrol subsidy regime in his inaugural address on May 29, 2023, stating that government funds previously spent on the subsidy would instead be redirected towards infrastructure, education, healthcare and job creation.
Since the announcement, petrol prices have undergone several increases, with the subsidy removal also contributing to higher transportation and living costs.
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