Atiku Abubakar and Presidency Clash Over Fuel Subsidy

The ongoing dispute between the Presidency and Atiku Abubakar, the Presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, centers on Atiku's proposal for a production fuel subsidy. This conflict emerged as both parties ramp up their campaigns for the 2027 General Election.

Atiku criticized the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited's 30-day petrol discount, calling it a political gimmick by President Bola Tinubu. He accused Tinubu of borrowing his production subsidy idea but stripping it of essential elements.

In response, Sunday Dare, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, condemned Atiku's proposal as a "dangerous mathematical fantasy wrapped in political deceit." He argued that Atiku's suggestion lacks the necessary economic backing and could lead to the same issues that plagued Nigeria under previous subsidy regimes. Dare emphasized that Nigeria's current oil production of approximately 1.8 million barrels per day cannot be directly controlled or distributed by the government.