The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has reiterated his commitment to restoring petrol subsidy if elected president in 2027, saying the policy would make life more affordable for Nigerians.

Mr Atiku restated his position in a post on X on Monday, accompanied by a campaign video explaining his proposed approach to fuel subsidy.

“My position stands! I will restore subsidy to make life easier and more affordable for Nigerians,” the former Vice-President wrote.

In the video, a female narrator said petrol was selling for more than ₦1,300 per litre in Nigeria, while citizens of other crude oil-producing countries, including Libya, Iran, Venezuela, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, enjoyed cheaper fuel.

The video explained that Mr Atiku’s proposed intervention would focus on supporting petrol produced by local refineries rather than imported petroleum products.

The former Vice-President also reaffirmed his position, saying, “My position has not changed and will not change. I will restore it.”

Targets locally refined petroleum products

Mr Atiku’s proposal comes amid continued debate over the removal of petrol subsidy by President Bola Tinubu’s administration in May 2023.

The President announced the policy during his inauguration, saying the government could no longer sustain the rising cost of subsidy and that the savings would be redirected towards infrastructure, education, healthcare and job creation.

However, Mr Atiku has repeatedly criticised the impact of the policy, arguing that Nigerians have not received sufficient benefits from the savings generated by its removal.

He has proposed shifting government support from imported fuel to locally refined petroleum products, with assistance tied to domestic production and measurable performance.

His campaign has described the proposed arrangement as a targeted, transparent and capped intervention designed to reduce production costs, improve fuel supply and ease the burden on consumers.

Atiku pledges affordable living

The ADC candidate has maintained that restoring subsidy would help reduce the cost of transportation, food and other essential commodities.

He argues that rising petrol prices have increased the cost of moving goods and services, placing additional pressure on households and businesses.

Mr Atiku’s proposal has, however, attracted criticism from the Federal Government, the organised private sector and some stakeholders, who have questioned its sustainability and potential impact on public finances.

The National Association of Nigerian Students has also rejected the proposal, describing a return to subsidy as potentially recreating the economic problems associated with the former system.

2027 campaign promises

Mr Atiku’s latest declaration follows his campaign flag-off in Sokoto on 4 November, where he also pledged to reopen Nigeria’s land borders for legitimate trade and tackle insecurity if elected.

The former Vice-President said his administration would prioritise economic recovery, security and opportunities for Nigerians.

The 2027 presidential election is scheduled for 16 January, according to the Independent National Electoral Commission.