Presidency Rejects Atiku's Fuel Subsidy Restoration Promise

The Presidency, through Special Adviser Sunday Dare, has called on Nigerians to reject former Vice President Atiku Abubakar's promise to restore fuel subsidy, describing it as a risky political scheme that could harm the country's economic progress. Dare accused Atiku of political opportunism, noting that he had previously supported the removal of the subsidy, which he criticized as an expensive and corrupt system.

Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), stated during a Facebook Live session that his position on the subsidy had changed since President Bola Tinubu removed it in May 2023. He questioned the whereabouts of the subsidy funds and promised to restore the subsidy if elected.

Tinubu announced the removal of the subsidy on May 29, 2023, leading to increased petrol prices and rising living costs, which he defended by stating that the funds could be redirected to essential public services.