Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has promised to restore Nigeria’s petrol subsidy if elected president in the 2027 presidential election.

Atiku made the pledge during a Facebook Live session while responding to questions about the subsidy removal and its impact on Nigerians.

Atiku Questions Subsidy Savings

The former vice president said he did not initially oppose the removal of the petrol subsidy but has since changed his position over concerns about how the resulting savings have been used.

“I initially did not oppose the removal of the fuel subsidy. But now that it has been removed, where is the money? Where has the subsidy money gone?” Atiku asked.

He questioned whether the savings had been channelled into healthcare, education and security.

“If I win the presidential election, I will restore the subsidy. And anyone who stole Nigeria’s subsidy funds must return the money,” he said.

Tinubu Removed Petrol Subsidy in 2023

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced the removal of the petrol subsidy during his inauguration on May 29, 2023.

The decision triggered a sharp increase in petrol prices and contributed to higher transportation, food and other living costs across the country.

Tinubu has repeatedly defended the policy, arguing that the subsidy had become too expensive for the Federal Government to sustain.

Atiku’s latest position places fuel pricing and the cost of living among the issues likely to feature prominently in the 2027 presidential contest as political parties and candidates begin to outline their economic alternatives.