Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has disowned comments by one of his media aides regarding his proposed fuel subsidy policy, insisting that he remains committed to restoring a targeted subsidy if elected president in 2027.
Atiku said his aide, Paul Ibe, was not speaking on his authority when he suggested that an Atiku administration would restore the petrol subsidy and later phase it out as the economy recovers.
“I want to repeat categorically that when I said I would return to subsidy, I will!” Atiku said.
He maintained that Nigeria is wealthy enough to provide relief for its citizens, arguing that the removal of subsidy has contributed to higher transportation and food costs.
Atiku said his proposed intervention would be targeted, capped and transparently managed, with the focus on supporting domestic refining and production rather than returning to the former import-driven subsidy regime.
His Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, also stressed that policy decisions belong to the presidential candidate and that aides are expected to communicate his position accurately.
The subsidy debate has become a major issue ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with the Tinubu administration defending the removal of subsidy as necessary for economic reform, while Atiku argues that Nigerians need immediate relief from the resulting high cost of living.
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