THE African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has vowed to restore fuel subsidies if elected President in the 2027 general elections, questioning what had become of the funds saved since President Bola Tinubu scrapped the policy.
News Point Nigeria reports that Atiku made the pledge during a Hausa-speaking interview on the PAP show on Wednesday, saying anyone who had stolen funds meant for fuel subsidy would be made to return the money if he assumes office.
President Tinubu announced the end of the petrol subsidy during his inauguration on May 29, 2023, declaring the scheme unsustainable.
On Wednesday, however, the Federal Government said the removal of the petrol subsidy and the liberalisation of the naira had generated ₦15.8 trillion in resources for the Federation between June 2023 and December 2025.
But during the interview, the former Vice President argued that despite the removal of the fuel subsidy, the Tinubu administration had failed to improve the lives of Nigerians.
Atiku acknowledged that he initially did not oppose the removal of the subsidy but said developments since the policy was scrapped had changed his position.
“I initially did not oppose the removal of the fuel subsidy. But now that it has been removed, where is the money?” Atiku said.
The ADC presidential candidate subsequently pledged to reverse the policy if he defeats Tinubu in the January 2027 presidential election.
“If I win the presidential election, I will restore the subsidy. And anyone who stole Nigeria’s subsidy funds must return the money. Now it has been removed. Where is the money? If the funds were used to improve healthcare, education, insecurity, security and youth empowerment, things would have been better,” he added.
Atiku also questioned the over ₦15 trillion the Tinubu administration said had been generated following the reforms, arguing that injustice and corruption among political leaders were the main reasons Nigerians were suffering.
He said that in the past, those who stole public funds were made to return their loots, maintaining that anyone found to have stolen funds meant for the fuel subsidy would similarly be made to refund the money if he assumes office.
