Atiku and Obi Clash Over Nigeria Fuel Subsidy Policies

Presidential candidates Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi have presented opposing strategies for managing Nigeria's fuel subsidy regime ahead of the 2027 elections. Atiku Abubakar, representing the African Democratic Congress, pledged to reverse the subsidy removal implemented by President Bola Tinubu. Abubakar expressed readiness to sign a formal contract with Nigerian citizens regarding petrol pricing to ensure accountability, while his party develops a 100-day policy agenda to establish specific price targets.

In contrast, the Nigeria Democratic Congress announced that its candidate, Peter Obi, will not restore the fuel subsidy or distribute the resulting savings to state governors. Theo Abu Agada, the NDC Director of New Media and Strategic Communications, stated that Obi intends to channel these funds directly into healthcare facilities, transport infrastructure, schools, and job creation programs.

The two campaigns have traded accusations of inconsistency and corruption. The NDC criticized Abubakar for shifting his position after supporting the subsidy removal in 2023. Simultaneously, the Tinubu administration has accused Abubakar of deception regarding his current stance on petrol pricing.