2027: Sowore Slams Subsidy Removal, Says Nigeria Is ‘Subsidising the Rich’

Presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has criticised successive Nigerian governments over the removal of fuel subsidy, arguing that the policy has placed a heavier burden on poor Nigerians while benefiting political elites and state governors.

Sowore made the remarks on Monday at the 2026 Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), where he spoke alongside several prominent political figures, including former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, former Speaker of the House of Representatives Femi Gbajabiamila and former Kogi State Senator Dino Melaye.

Speaking during a discussion on the economy and the use of government savings, Sowore said he had consistently opposed the removal of fuel subsidy, accusing political leaders of changing their positions on the policy after years of supporting its removal.

According to him, the central question Nigerians should ask is who actually benefits from subsidy policies.

> “The question about subsidy is, who are you subsidising? You are subsidising the elites, you are subsidising the governors.”

Sowore argued that state governors were among the major beneficiaries of the current economic arrangement following the removal of fuel subsidy, while ordinary Nigerians continued to struggle with rising transportation and living costs.

He also questioned the justification for repeatedly removing fuel subsidy, recalling that similar policies had been introduced under previous administrations.

Sowore said Nigerians had been told on several occasions that removing subsidy would improve the economy, but argued that decades later, citizens were still being asked to endure hardship in the name of subsidy reform.

‘Poor Nigerians need subsidy, not the rich’

The AAC candidate maintained that he would not support the complete removal of fuel subsidy, arguing that government policy should be designed to protect vulnerable Nigerians.

> “I will not remove subsidy because the poor in Nigeria need to be subsidised instead of the rich,” he said.

He accused the government of effectively subsidising the lifestyles of wealthy Nigerians through various concessions and privileges, while ordinary citizens bear the consequences of economic policies.

Sowore said government resources should instead be redirected towards policies that directly reduce the cost of living for poor and working-class Nigerians.

He also linked the subsidy debate to transportation infrastructure, arguing that a functioning public transportation system could reduce the impact of fuel prices on citizens.

Sowore criticises Amaechi, Obi

Sowore also used the platform to challenge the records of former governors who are now seeking to influence Nigeria’s political future.

Addressing former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, who was present at the conference, Sowore criticised the performance of his administration, particularly its investment in rail transportation.

He argued that the rail infrastructure associated with Amaechi’s administration had failed to deliver the expected benefits to residents and suggested that an effective transport system would have helped cushion the impact of fuel subsidy removal.

Sowore also criticised former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, particularly over the handling of education and industrial actions during his tenure.

He claimed that lecturers and doctors in Anambra State experienced prolonged strikes under Obi’s administration, arguing that Obi’s popularity should not prevent Nigerians from scrutinising his record in office.

> “You may like him as a person, but he did not perform as a governor. That is the truth,” Sowore said.

‘Those who failed should apologise’

Sowore further argued that politicians who had previously occupied government positions but failed to deliver should not return to seek power without accounting for their records.

Referencing comments made by Amaechi during the conference, Sowore said political figures who had governed Nigeria and failed should apologise to Nigerians rather than seek another opportunity to lead.

He maintained that the 2027 political conversation should focus on the achievements and failures of political actors rather than personalities or political popularity.

Sowore’s comments came during a high-profile gathering of legal practitioners and political leaders at the 2026 NBA conference, which provided a platform for discussions on Nigeria’s economy, governance, democracy and the country’s political direction ahead of the 2027 general elections.