{
  "id": 8508578,
  "title": "Subsidy: You are inordinately ambitious – Showunmi blasts Atiku",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/19/subsidy-you-are-inordinately-ambitious-showunmi-blasts-atiku",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-19T17:59:11.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Daily Post Nigeria",
    "slug": "daily-post-nigeria",
    "url": "https://dailypost.ng/2026/09/19/subsidy-you-are-inordinately-ambitious-showunmi-blasts-atiku/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Otunba Segun Showunmi, chairman of The Alternative, has vehemently criticized former Vice President Atiku Abubakar's proposal to reintroduce petrol subsidy in Nigeria, branding it \"inordinately ambitious.\" Showunmi argued that Nigeria has attempted subsidies since 1973 and has consistently seen negative outcomes. He emphasized that the failure of subsidy led Nigeria away from Egypt, insisting that the country would not return to the failed system. Atiku, who is running for president in 2027 as the candidate of the African Democratic Congress, had advocated for the restoration of petrol subsidy, asserting that it would benefit citizens by utilizing the country's resources. However, Showunmi rejected the idea and defended President Bola Tinubu's economic direction, asserting that recent policies have improved government revenues at the local, state, and federal levels. Showunmi emphasized the importance of continuity in governance, stating that governments require sufficient time to implement long-term policies. He dismissed the concerns of some southern politicians opposing Tinubu, warning them that attempting to challenge the president would be a waste of resources. Showunmi urged Yoruba voters to support Tinubu and prevent the North from garnering more votes in the upcoming election.",
  "summary": "Convener of The Alternative, Otunba Segun Showunmi, has criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s proposal to restore petrol subsidy, describing it as overtly and inordinately ambitious. Showunmi said Nigeria would never return to Egypt, insisting that subsidy has failed. Recall that Atiku, presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, for the 2027 election, had […]…",
  "key_points": [
    "Former VP Atiku proposes petrol subsidy reintroduction, labeled \"inordinately ambitious\" by Showunmi",
    "Showunmi argues Nigeria's history of failed subsidies since 1973",
    "President Tinubu's policies improve government revenues, Showunmi defends economic direction"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "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."
}