The Presidency has criticised the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Atiku Abubakar, over his promise to consider restoring the fuel subsidy if elected President in 2027.
The Presidency described Atiku’s position as “hypocrisy and deceit”, accusing the former Vice President of attempting to manipulate Nigerians ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Atiku had said in a recent interview that he would consider reversing the removal of the petrol subsidy by President Bola Tinubu if he wins the 2027 presidential election.
The former Vice President’s position has added fuel to the growing political debate over the subsidy policy, which remains one of the most controversial economic decisions of the Tinubu administration.
Reacting to the statement, a presidential spokesperson, Sunday Dare, accused Atiku of making promises aimed at gaining political support without considering the long-term effect of returning to subsidy payments.
In a statement, Dare said Atiku’s promise was an attempt to deceive Nigerians into supporting him in the next presidential election.
“Atiku Abubakar: Your pronouncement that you will bring back fuel subsidy is drenched in hypocrisy and deceit. It is an unpardonable manipulation of the public psyche, designed to hoodwink unsuspecting Nigerians into voting for you,” Dare said.
He also defended the Federal Government’s decision to remove the subsidy, arguing that the policy was contributing to recovery in different sectors of the economy.
Dare said returning to the subsidy regime would undermine what he described as the ongoing recovery across various sectors of national life.
“The ongoing recovery across various sectors of our national life annoys you, and will be halted if this thinking of yours is implemented,” he said.
The presidential spokesperson added, “By the Grace of God, it will not happen and all good men of conscience must rise up against you.”
The latest exchange is part of the growing political battle ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with opposition parties expected to use the economic policies of the Tinubu administration as major campaign issues.
Fuel subsidy has remained at the centre of the debate since Tinubu announced its removal shortly after his inauguration in May 2023.
The President declared that “fuel subsidy is gone” in his inaugural address, ending a long-standing system under which the Federal Government paid part of the cost of petrol to keep pump prices below the market cost.
The decision immediately triggered an increase in petrol prices and contributed to a sharp rise in transportation costs and the prices of goods and services.
The government has continued to defend the policy, arguing that subsidy payments placed a heavy burden on public finances and benefited fuel consumers and smugglers without adequately supporting the wider economy.
The administration has instead promoted measures aimed at cushioning the impact of subsidy removal, including social intervention programmes, cash transfers and other forms of support.
However, many Nigerians continue to complain about the high cost of living, with food, transportation and other household expenses remaining major concerns.
Opposition politicians have repeatedly criticised the subsidy removal and other economic policies of the Tinubu administration, arguing that they have increased hardship for ordinary Nigerians.
Atiku’s position therefore places the subsidy debate firmly within the 2027 political contest.
The ADC candidate has been presenting himself and his political allies as an alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress.
He has also criticised aspects of the Federal Government’s economic policies and has called for measures that would reduce the burden on Nigerians.
His statement on fuel subsidy is likely to become an important part of the political arguments leading up to the election.
Supporters of subsidy removal argue that the government should not return to a system that consumes large amounts of public funds.
They maintain that money previously spent on subsidising petrol should instead be invested in infrastructure, education, healthcare, security and other areas that directly affect citizens.
Those calling for a review of the policy, however, argue that the sudden removal of the subsidy placed too much pressure on households and businesses.
They contend that the government should consider measures that would make petrol more affordable, particularly for low-income Nigerians who have been severely affected by rising transport and food costs.
The disagreement between the Presidency and Atiku also highlights the wider economic choices that are expected to dominate the 2027 campaign.
Political parties will be required to explain how they intend to tackle inflation, unemployment, insecurity, poverty and the high cost of living while maintaining economic stability.
For the Tinubu administration, the challenge will be to convince Nigerians that its reforms will eventually produce stronger economic growth and improved living conditions.
For Atiku and other opposition candidates, the challenge will be to present alternative policies that can address the hardship while maintaining confidence in the Nigerian economy.
The fuel subsidy issue is particularly sensitive because of its direct effect on transport fares and the prices of food and other essential goods.
Any promise to restore, modify or permanently remove the subsidy is therefore likely to attract significant public attention during the 2027 campaign.
Atiku’s statement has now drawn a strong response from the Presidency, setting the stage for more debate over the future of petrol pricing and economic reforms.
With the 2027 election approaching, the disagreement is expected to form part of a broader political contest over whether the Tinubu administration’s economic reforms should be maintained, adjusted or reversed.