Shehu Sani Critiques Atiku's Fuel Subsidy Promise

Shehu Sani, a former Kaduna Central Senator, dismissed Atiku Abubakar's pledge to restore fuel subsidy if elected president in 2027, referring to it as "deception." Sani warned that reinstating the subsidy would destabilize Nigeria's economy rather than alleviate the hardships faced by citizens. He noted that Nigeria had already incurred significant costs, between N3 trillion and N4 trillion, due to the subsidy regime, which primarily benefited corrupt actors.

Sani highlighted issues such as the smuggling of subsidized fuel to neighboring countries and questioned the logic of a country that exports crude oil yet imports refined products while subsidizing those imports. He acknowledged the suffering caused by the removal of the subsidy but insisted that the solution lies in investing in domestic refining, citing the Dangote Refinery as a viable example.

Sani also urged the government to reform public refineries and reduce governance costs. He expressed support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's re-election bid and called for political campaigns focused on policies rather than ethnic or religious sentiments.