Hashim Calls Atiku 'Father of Subsidy Removal' in Nigeria

Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, the presidential candidate of the Accord, labeled former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as the “father of subsidy removal” in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic. He criticized Atiku for his recent reversal on fuel subsidy removal, stating it requires an explanation and an apology to Nigerians.

Hashim, who has consistently opposed subsidy removal, reiterated his stance during an interview on Trust TV, advocating for the restoration of subsidies on petroleum and other essential products to shield citizens from economic shocks. He expressed concern over politicians, including Atiku, Bola Tinubu, and Peter Obi, who campaigned for subsidy removal in the 2023 presidential election but are now changing their positions without acknowledging their previous advocacy.

Hashim recounted that during the Obasanjo administration in 1999, when Atiku was Vice President and led the economic team, they increased petroleum prices and removed subsidies, a decision that Hashim and other PDP officials publicly opposed.