Atiku disowns aide, insists ‘I will restore subsidy’

Presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar of the African Democratic Congress has reaffirmed his stance on restoring petrol subsidy, dismissing comments made by his media aide, Paul Ibe, during an interview. Atiku stated that Nigeria is financially capable of supporting the welfare of its citizens and emphasized that he would not abandon them to hardship.

He argued that the wealth of a nation should be measured by the purchasing power of its people rather than government revenue collection. Atiku also clarified that his proposed intervention would be targeted at domestic production and measured for effectiveness, distinguishing it from Nigeria's previous fuel import subsidy regime.

He acknowledged the sensitivity of the issue, given its impact on transport, food prices, and overall household expenses.