By Eshioromeh Sebastian
Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Atiku Abubakar, has declared that Nigeria possesses more than enough resources to sustain fuel subsidy.
Atiku said this as he firmly rejected comments made by his media aide, Paul Ibe, regarding the policy.
Atiku made the clarification on Tuesday in response to what he described as a contradiction by his spokesperson on his previously stated position on subsidy.
He said Ibe’s remarks had generated confusion among Nigerians, prompting him to set the record straight.
Earlier on Tuesday, Atiku’s spokesperson, Paul Ibe, had appeared on Arise Television’s The Morning Show, where he suggested that an Atiku administration would restore petrol subsidy temporarily and phase it out at a later date.
Ibe had explained that the proposed intervention would not revive the old opaque regime but would instead tie government support to crude oil production and domestic refining.
He argued that once the economy stabilises and domestic refining capacity improves, the subsidy would no longer be necessary.
The remarks quickly went viral on social media, sparking debates among Nigerians and political commentators, with many questioning whether Atiku had shifted his position on the contentious policy.
But Atiku moved swiftly to correct the impression, stating categorically that his aide spoke without his authority.
Speaking in a statement on Tuesday afternoon, Atiku said his position on subsidy restoration remains unchanged and non-negotiable, insisting that a nation as abundantly blessed as Nigeria cannot abandon its citizens to suffer.
“Earlier today, one of my press aides contradicted me on my policy statement as far as subsidy is concerned,” Atiku said. “I want to repeat categorically that when I said I would return the fuel subsidy, I will. Nigeria is rich enough to look after the welfare of its citizens.”
He added: “Let it be clearly stated that he was not speaking on my own authority. The removal of fuel subsidy has driven more Nigerians into poverty than at any other time in the history of this country.”
The former Vice President argued that the fundamental responsibility of any government is the welfare of its citizens, and that he remains committed to restoring targeted subsidy to alleviate the suffering of ordinary Nigerians.
He further accused the ruling government of mismanaging the nation’s resources, saying: “We are competing with thieves. They stole the election, now they have stolen the economy, they have stolen everything.”
Atiku has consistently framed his policy proposal as a choice between what he calls “Expensive Nigeria” under the current administration and “Affordable Nigeria” under his leadership.
He argued that the removal of subsidy has triggered a cascade of rising transportation, food and production costs that have crippled household purchasing power and pushed millions into hardship.
The ADC presidential candidate has vowed to break what he described as the “wretched chain” that has defined national life under the nearly four years of President Bola Tinubu’s tenure, where fuel price increases trigger transport hikes, which in turn drive up food prices and leave families struggling.
He said his administration would support Nigerian production, reduce energy costs and restore purchasing power, ensuring that the naira in every Nigerian’s pocket buys more and daily living becomes affordable again.
Atiku reaffirmed his commitment to economic security and physical security, promising a better life for every Nigerian.
He said he would make wages valuable again, ensure farmers can move produce without transport costs swallowing their profits, and enable businesses to produce, employ and prosper.
“I will restore targeted subsidy and put purchasing power back in the hands of Nigerians,” Atiku declared.
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