{
  "id": 4309451,
  "title": "Relax, Atiku Will Not Restore Subsidy",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/30/relax-atiku-will-not-restore-subsidy",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-30T00:09:26.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "This Day",
    "slug": "this-day",
    "url": "https://www.thisdaylive.com/2026/08/30/relax-atiku-will-not-restore-subsidy/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the APC presidential candidate, has sparked controversy by threatening to restore petrol subsidy if elected. His proposal appears compassionate but faces criticism for potential economic harm. Atiku's assertion could lead to a fiscal crisis due to significant revenue loss from refineries. The loss would force government agencies to cut expenses, potentially impacting road projects supported by subsidy removal. Transporters may not immediately lower their fares despite cheaper petrol, as they have other expenses to cover. The assumption that refineries will refine the crude oil at a subsidized price is unlikely, as they may instead become oil traders. Smuggling, which has decreased since subsidy removal, could increase if subsidy returns. Atiku, with experience in the matter, is likely aware of these consequences and is using the issue to appeal to voters' emotions.",
  "summary": "Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the ADC presidential candidate, has causedchaos among policy analysts by threatening to restore petrolsubsidy if he is elected president. Many have been asking: why is he trying to drag us back after we had finally crossed the Rubicon?By the way, bringing down the price of petrol looks great on paper.",
  "key_points": [
    "Atiku Abubakar threatens to restore petrol subsidy if elected",
    "Economic harm possible from subsidy restoration, risking fiscal crisis",
    "Smuggling may increase if subsidy returns, per Atiku's knowledge"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Atiku's proposal to restore petrol subsidy, despite likely economic harm, suggests he is prioritizing emotional voter appeal over fiscal responsibility and the consequences of such a policy.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}