The African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has promised to restore fuel subsidies if elected President in the 2027 general elections.
Atiku made the pledge during a Hausa-language interview on the PAP show on Wednesday. He also said anyone who stole money meant for fuel subsidies would be made to return it if he becomes President.
President Tinubu announced the removal of the petrol subsidy during his inauguration on May 29, 2023, calling the scheme unsustainable.
On Wednesday, the Federal Government said the removal of the petrol subsidy and the liberalisation of the naira saved the federation N15.8 trillion between June 2023 and December 2025.
However, Atiku said the Tinubu administration had failed to improve Nigerians’ lives despite ending the subsidy.
The former Vice President said he initially supported the policy but changed his position based on developments since its removal.
“I initially did not oppose the removal of the fuel subsidy. But now that it has been removed, where is the money?” Atiku said.
He promised to reverse the policy if he defeats Tinubu in the January 2027 presidential election.
He added, “If I win the presidential election, I will restore the subsidy. And anyone who stole Nigeria’s subsidy funds must return the money. Now it has been removed. Where is the money? If the funds were used to improve healthcare, education, insecurity, security and youth empowerment, things would have been better.”
Atiku also questioned the N15 trillion in savings announced by the Tinubu administration, saying injustice and corruption among political leaders were the main reasons Nigerians were suffering.
He said public officials who stole government funds were previously forced to return their loots.
