Atiku's Fuel Subsidy Stance Criticized by Presidency

On Wednesday, the Presidency criticized former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for his inconsistent statements regarding petrol subsidy, labeling them as evidence of political opportunism and policy confusion. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, stated that Nigerians received three different accounts from Atiku and his aides within one week about his proposed subsidy regime.

Initially, Atiku's spokesperson, Paul Ibe, indicated that Atiku would restore the petrol subsidy and phase it out gradually as a temporary measure. However, Phrank Shaibu, another aide, later disowned this explanation, asserting that an Atiku administration would not set a fixed date for subsidy removal but would maintain it until domestic refining capacity improved and market conditions stabilized.

Atiku subsequently reaffirmed his support for a targeted subsidy, stating, “I will restore targeted subsidy and put purchasing power back in the hands of Nigerians.” Onanuga emphasized that these conflicting declarations raised serious questions about the substance of Atiku’s economic proposals.