Jigawa residents say subsidy removal impoverished Nigerians, back Atiku

Residents of Jigawa state have expressed support for Atiku Abubakar's promise to restore fuel subsidy, citing widespread impoverishment since its removal. According to Punch, they believe Atiku's proposal would help alleviate their suffering. Atiku had proposed returning fuel subsidy if elected President in 2027, but not as a return to the old subsidy regime, rather a targeted and temporary production-support mechanism.

Atiku has been critical of President Bola Tinubu's administration over the economic hardship caused by fuel subsidy removal and other economic policies. He faulted the administration for bringing pain and agony to the majority of Nigerians. The Presidency responded, accusing Atiku of attempting to manipulate Nigerians ahead of the 2027 election. Atiku hit back, accusing Tinubu's administration of economic arson.

The All Progressives Congress has described Atiku's promise to restore petrol subsidy as a "desperation of the most pitiful kind". Atiku's spokesperson said his proposal was not a return to the old subsidy regime, but rather a response to the changed economic circumstances confronting Nigerians since Tinubu announced the removal of petrol subsidy in May 2023.

Brief written by urgent.news from Punch, Premium Times, Daily Post Nigeria, Punch Nigeria, TheCable — 5 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.