Presidency and Atiku Clash Over Petrol Subsidy Proposals and Accountability

The presidency has criticized former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over his proposal to restore a targeted petrol subsidy if elected president in 2027. Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga stated that Atiku is playing politics with the temporary discomfort of Nigerians and lacks a basic understanding of the policy. Onanuga pointed to conflicting statements from Atiku and his aides as evidence of a lack of clear policy. Specifically, spokesperson Paul Ibe suggested the subsidy would be restored and then phased out, while aide Phrank Shaibu later called that characterization misleading. Atiku eventually intervened to clarify that he would restore a targeted subsidy to increase purchasing power.

In response, Atiku challenged the federal government to account for the savings generated from the removal of the petrol subsidy. Through Phrank Shaibu, Atiku questioned where the people's money is and asked why fiscal incentives and tax credits continue to be provided to powerful economic interests while poor Nigerians face high costs for food and transportation. Atiku also challenged the Tinubu administration to investigate him and produce evidence of wrongdoing in court rather than recycling old allegations.

Adding to the discussion, Chibuike Amaechi, the vice presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, clarified that the proposed subsidy would not revive the old import based regime. Amaechi stated that the plan focuses on subsidizing local production by providing cheap crude to domestic refiners, which would lower costs for consumers and create jobs.