‘He didn’t speak on my authority’ – Atiku counters aide, insists on total restoration of fuel subsidy

Atiku Abubakar, the 2027 presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, has clarified his stance on fuel subsidies after his media aide, Paul Ibe, made a statement on a popular radio station. According to Ibe, Atiku did not intend to bring back the previous fuel subsidy regime if elected president, but rather, it would be a temporary measure involving the development of domestic refining.

Ibe emphasized that if elected in 2027, Atiku would phase out the subsidy and instead support the refining sector to lower the cost of petroleum products. However, Atiku refuted Ibe's statement during a meeting with stakeholders, asserting that Ibe did not speak on his behalf. The former vice president declared that if he were the president, he would restore the fuel subsidy fully.

According to Atiku, Nigeria has the wealth to ensure its citizens' welfare. He argued that the removal of the subsidy has exacerbated the economic hardships faced by Nigerians, pushing more people into poverty. Atiku emphasized that his statement about returning fuel subsidies was not made on Ibe's authority and reiterated his commitment to provide the necessary support for the citizens through the subsidy.