Former Vice-President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has rejected comments by his media aide, Paul Ibe, regarding his proposed petrol subsidy policy ahead of the 2027 election.
Atiku said his position remains that he would restore a targeted petrol subsidy if elected president, arguing that Nigeria has enough resources to provide relief for citizens facing rising living costs.
The former vice-president spoke on Tuesday when he received the Osun State leadership of the ADC in Abuja.
His clarification followed comments by Ibe during an interview with African Independent Television (AIT), where the aide suggested that Atiku would restore the subsidy but gradually phase it out after the economy recovered.
Atiku said Ibe was not authorised to speak on his behalf on the matter and stressed that his own position was clear.
“When I said I would return to subsidy, I will!”
He said the proposed intervention would be aimed at easing the pressure created by rising fuel, transportation and food prices, rather than returning to the previous system of fuel importation and alleged abuses.
In a separate statement on X, Atiku again insisted that his position had not changed.
According to him, the strength of an economy should not be judged only by government revenue but also by the purchasing power available to ordinary citizens.
He said his goal would be to ensure that workers’ wages retain more value, farmers can transport their produce without excessive costs eating into their profits, and businesses can continue producing, hiring and expanding.
Atiku argued that higher petrol prices have contributed to increased transportation costs, which in turn have pushed up the prices of food and other essential goods.
“When fuel rises, transport rises. When transport rises, food rises. When food rises, families suffer.”
The ADC candidate said his proposed policy would focus on targeted relief, local production, lower energy costs and restoring purchasing power, while rejecting a return to what he described as the old import-based subsidy system.
“I will not restore the import racket; I will restore relief.”
Atiku said his broader economic agenda would also focus on economic and physical security, with the aim of making daily life more affordable for Nigerians.
He added that he intends to improve the value of the naira in citizens’ pockets and create conditions that allow businesses and households to thrive.
Source: Atiku Abubakar / AIT.
