Shettima Critiques Atiku's Petrol Subsidy Proposal

On October 25, 2026, Vice President Kashim Shettima criticized former Vice President Atiku Abubakar during the Nigerian Economic Summit in Abuja. Shettima opposed Atiku's proposal to restore the petrol subsidy, arguing that it would regress Nigeria into poverty for political convenience.

He questioned Atiku's ability to manage the modern economy, referencing his training at the Kano School of Hygiene, and suggested that Atiku lacked the necessary skills for governance. Shettima stated, “I dare to put forward that his skill set, he was trained in sanitation at the Kano School of Hygiene, so he doesn’t have the skill set to govern a modern economy.” He also expressed doubt about Atiku's understanding of environmental sanitation.

Shettima urged Nigerians to carefully evaluate the qualifications of political leaders, particularly regarding economic policies. Atiku, representing the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has been advocating for the restoration of the petrol subsidy, a contentious issue following President Tinubu's removal of the subsidy on May 29, 2023.