Atiku Abubakar Stands Firm on Targeted Subsidy Plan

Atiku Abubakar, the former Vice President of Nigeria and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has stated that he will not retract his plan to restore a targeted subsidy aimed at alleviating the economic hardships faced by Nigerians. This assertion was communicated through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, amidst criticism from the current Presidency.

Atiku's proposal, part of the Atiku Economic Recovery Plan (AERP), seeks to establish a targeted, capped, transparently budgeted, and independently audited intervention, distinct from previous subsidy regimes. He called for transparency regarding the beneficiaries of petroleum tax credits and incentives, arguing that citizens deserve clarity on revenue impacts and access for local investors.

Atiku criticized the current economic approach for favoring wealthy investors while imposing harsh market conditions on ordinary Nigerians. He emphasized that economic policies should ultimately benefit the Nigerian citizen, advocating for a balanced approach that includes investment and public finance protection.