ADC Candidate Says Nigerians Have Not Benefited Enough From Subsidy Removal
Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has promised to restore Nigeria’s petrol subsidy if elected president in 2027.
Atiku said his position had changed since President Bola Tinubu removed the subsidy in May 2023. He questioned how the funds saved from the policy had been used, arguing that Nigerians should have seen greater benefits through improvements in healthcare, education, security and poverty reduction.
“If I win the presidential election, I will restore the subsidy.”
He also said anyone found to have stolen money connected to the subsidy regime should be made to refund the funds.
Government Defends Subsidy Reform
Atiku’s pledge comes as the Federal Government continues to defend the economic reforms introduced after subsidy removal.
Finance Minister Taiwo Oyedele said the removal generated about ₦15.8 trillion in resources for the federation between June 2023 and December 2025.
The subsidy debate is therefore likely to become a major issue in the 2027 presidential election, particularly as Nigerians continue to grapple with the cost of transportation, food and other everyday expenses.
For many Nigerians, the central question will be whether returning to subsidies would provide meaningful relief or create another long-term burden on public finances.