The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has reaffirmed his promise to reinstate petrol subsidy if elected president in 2027, arguing that the policy would reduce the cost of living and make life more affordable for Nigerians.
The former vice-president restated his position in a post on X on Monday, alongside a campaign video outlining his proposed approach to petrol subsidy.
“My position stands! I will restore subsidy to make life easier and more affordable for Nigerians,” he wrote.
In the video, a female narrator said petrol prices in Nigeria had exceeded ₦1,300 per litre, contrasting the cost with cheaper fuel prices in other crude oil-producing countries, including Libya, Iran, Venezuela, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.
The narrator explained that Atiku’s proposed intervention would focus on supporting petrol refined locally rather than imported fuel.
The video also featured Atiku’s position on the proposal, stating: “My position has not changed and will not change. I will restore it.”
It further explained that the proposed arrangement would provide support for domestic refining until the industry became capable of operating without government assistance.
Atiku’s latest declaration comes amid continued debate over the removal of petrol subsidy by President Bola Tinubu’s administration in May 2023.
Tinubu announced the decision during his inauguration, arguing that the government could no longer sustain the rising subsidy costs. He said the savings would instead be channelled into infrastructure, education, healthcare and job creation.
Atiku has repeatedly criticised the effects of the policy and included its restoration among his campaign promises ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
During the ADC presidential campaign flag-off in Sokoto on November 4, he also promised to restore petrol subsidy, reopen Nigeria’s land borders for legitimate trade and address insecurity if elected.
The 2027 presidential election is scheduled for January 16, while the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed February 6 for governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections.
Atiku secured the ADC presidential ticket in May, marking his seventh attempt to become Nigeria’s president.
However, a Federal High Court in Abuja, on November 5, nullified his nomination alongside decisions made by the party’s David Mark-led leadership.
The ADC has appealed the ruling and filed an application for a stay of execution.