The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has reaffirmed his commitment to restoring fuel subsidy if elected president in the 2027 general elections, insisting that his position remains unchanged despite comments attributed to one of his aides.
Atiku made the clarification during an interview with Channels Television, where he addressed concerns raised by Nigerians over what appeared to be conflicting positions within his campaign team on the controversial fuel subsidy policy.
The former Vice President said he had received several calls from Nigerians seeking clarification after his press aide was reportedly quoted as suggesting a position different from his own.
Atiku, however, dismissed the comments, maintaining that only his own stated position should be considered as the official policy direction of his presidential campaign.
“I want to repeat categorically that when I said I will return subsidy, I will. Nigeria is rich enough to look after the welfare of its citizens,” he said.
The ADC presidential candidate argued that the removal of fuel subsidy had significantly worsened the economic situation of Nigerians, particularly low-income households and vulnerable groups.
According to him, the sharp increase in the cost of petrol following the subsidy removal has had far-reaching consequences for the economy, including higher transportation costs, rising food prices and increased pressure on household incomes.
He maintained that government has a responsibility to protect citizens from excessive economic hardship and ensure that the country’s resources are deployed to improve their living conditions.
Atiku also clarified that the statement attributed to his aide was not made with his authority and should not be interpreted as a change in his policy position.
He argued that Nigeria possesses sufficient resources to provide social and economic protection for its citizens if those resources are properly managed.
Beyond the issue of fuel subsidy, the former vice president said his administration, if elected in 2027, would prioritise the welfare and security of Nigerians.
He promised to strengthen national security, protect lives and property and introduce policies aimed at reducing the economic burden on citizens.
Atiku also used the interview to launch a strong criticism of those currently controlling the country’s political and economic affairs.
He accused the ruling political establishment of undermining Nigeria’s electoral process and worsening the country’s economic condition.
Speaking about the forthcoming 2027 presidential election, Atiku said the opposition was facing a difficult political battle against those he accused of abusing the electoral system and mismanaging the economy.
“We are competing with thieves. They stole the election. Now they have stolen the economy. They have stolen everything,” he alleged.
The former Vice President said the opposition’s objective was to provide Nigerians with an alternative political platform capable of reversing what he described as years of economic hardship and poor governance.
He maintained that the 2027 election would provide Nigerians with an opportunity to determine the direction of the country and choose leaders committed to improving their welfare.
Atiku further pledged that an ADC-led government would focus on economic recovery, improved security and policies designed to restore the purchasing power of Nigerians.
The former presidential candidate has continued to position the ADC as a platform for opposition forces seeking to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 elections.
With the election approaching, debates over fuel subsidy, economic management, insecurity and the credibility of the electoral process are expected to remain major issues in the campaigns.
Atiku’s latest comments also underline the significance of economic policy in the opposition’s strategy, particularly as Nigerians continue to grapple with the effects of rising living costs and declining purchasing power.
