ADC Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar
Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has reaffirmed his commitment to restoring fuel subsidy if elected president in 2027, arguing that Nigeria has the resources to shield its citizens from economic hardship.
Atiku, who is the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential hopeful, made the declaration in a post shared on his official X account after receiving the Osun State leadership of the ADC in Abuja on Tuesday.
The former presidential candidate said his position on fuel subsidy remains unchanged, insisting that government should prioritise the welfare of ordinary Nigerians.
“On the question of subsidy, my position has not changed and will not change: I will restore it! A nation as blessed as ours has no business abandoning its citizens to hardship. Nigeria is rich enough to look after her own,” he wrote.
According to Atiku, the strength of a nation’s economy should be judged by the purchasing power of its citizens rather than the amount of revenue generated by the government.
“I believe the wealth of a nation is not measured by how much government collects, but by how much the money in the pockets of its people can buy.”
He said his administration would focus on restoring the value of wages, lowering transportation costs and making food more affordable for households.
“I want wages to have value again. I want farmers to move produce without transport swallowing their profits. I want families to fill their baskets without emptying their pockets. I want businesses to produce, employ and prosper.”
To achieve these goals, Atiku said he would implement a targeted subsidy regime aimed at easing the economic burden on Nigerians.
“That is why I will restore targeted subsidy and put purchasing power back in the hands of Nigerians.”
The former vice president argued that rising fuel prices have triggered increases in transportation and food costs, worsening the cost-of-living crisis across the country.
“When fuel rises, transport rises. When transport rises, food rises. When food rises, families suffer.”
Taking a swipe at the current administration, Atiku said he would reverse what he described as years of economic hardship under President Bola Tinubu.
“I will break that wretched chain that has defined our national life in the nearly four years of Tinubu’s presidency.”
He also promised to support local production, lower energy costs and improve the value of the naira while rejecting what he described as an import-driven subsidy system.
“I will support Nigerian production, reduce energy costs and restore purchasing power. I will not restore the import racket; I will restore relief.”
Atiku said he reiterated the pledge during his meeting with the Osun State leadership of the ADC in Abuja.
He concluded by assuring Nigerians that his administration would prioritise both economic and physical security.
“I will make the naira in your pocket worth more, make daily living affordable again, and secure our people.”
“Economic security. Physical security. A better life for every Nigerian.”
“That is the Nigeria I intend to build.”
