Fuel subsidy: Atiku confused, Playing Politics – Presidency

The Presidency has criticized former Vice-President and ADC candidate Atiku Abubakar for allegedly using his fuel subsidy plan proposal as a political tactic if he were elected in 2027. They questioned whether Atiku is genuinely presenting an economic policy or merely creating temporary political turmoil for Nigerians. Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, pointed out that there have been three distinct explanations of Atiku's stance on petrol subsidy within a week.

Initially, Atiku's spokesperson, Paul Ibe, stated that the former VP would preserve petrol subsidy temporarily to aid recovery for Nigerians and businesses. However, another senior aide, Phrank Shaibu, later clarified that Atiku does not plan for a predetermined end date for the subsidy. Instead, it would persist until domestic refining, supply stability, increased competition, and affordable market prices are achieved.

Shortly after this clarification, Atiku contradicted the aide's statement, reiterating his intention to restore a "targeted subsidy" and alleviate Nigerians' purchasing power. The Presidency emphasized that this scenario is not merely a matter of semantics but a substantial policy inconsistency and confusion. Onanuga argued that a genuine economic program should address various factors, including agricultural productivity, insecurity, exchange rates, logistics, storage, flooding, input costs, money supply, and supply constraints.

Rather than focusing solely on petrol prices, the Presidency urged Atiku to provide a clear, costed, and workable petroleum policy or admit that he is merely engaging in political gimmicks.