African Democratic Congress presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has reaffirmed his pledge to restore a targeted petrol subsidy if elected president in the 2027 election, saying the policy would help ease living costs and restore Nigerians’ purchasing power.
Atiku restated the position in a post on X after receiving the Osun State leadership of the ADC in Abuja on Tuesday, arguing that Nigeria’s wealth should be measured by what citizens can afford with the money in their pockets.
Atiku Defends Targeted Subsidy
Atiku said his position on the petrol subsidy had not changed and that he would restore it if elected.
“On the question of subsidy, my position has not changed and will not change: I will restore it!” he wrote.
He argued that Nigeria had enough resources to protect citizens from severe economic hardship, adding that the government should focus on improving the purchasing power of Nigerians rather than simply increasing revenue.
“I believe the wealth of a nation is not measured by how much government collects, but by how much the money in the pockets of its people can buy,” he said.
Fuel Prices and Cost of Living
The former vice president linked petrol prices to the rising cost of transportation and food, saying increases at the pump eventually affect household expenses.
“When fuel rises, transport rises. When transport rises, food rises. When food rises, families suffer,” Atiku said.
He promised to reduce what he described as the cycle of rising costs by supporting local production, reducing energy expenses and putting more purchasing power in the hands of Nigerians.
‘I Will Not Restore the Import Racket’
Atiku said his proposed subsidy would be targeted and would not return Nigeria to what he described as an import racket.
“I will support Nigerian production, reduce energy costs and restore purchasing power. I will not restore the import racket; I will restore relief,” he said.
He also promised to improve conditions for farmers, businesses and workers by reducing transportation costs and supporting production.
The ADC candidate said his broader agenda would focus on economic and physical security, while making daily living more affordable for Nigerians.
2027 Presidential Election
Atiku has repeatedly positioned the restoration of purchasing power as a major part of his campaign ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
He said his administration would seek to make the naira in Nigerians’ pockets more valuable, improve affordability and strengthen domestic production.
“That is the Nigeria I intend to build,” Atiku said.
