Atiku Abubakar Pledges to Restore Targeted Fuel Subsidy

Presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar announced his intention to restore a targeted fuel subsidy if elected president in 2027. In an interview with BBC Hausa, Abubakar stated that while he did not oppose the removal of the subsidy, the government has failed to account for the resulting savings. He alleged that the funds may have been stolen and should have instead been used to address insecurity, unemployment, poverty, and education.

The proposal has triggered a dispute with the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who removed the subsidy in 2023. Finance Minister Taiwo Oyedele reported that the removal generated N15.8 trillion for the Federation between June 2023 and December 2025. A presidential aide warned that reinstating the subsidy could create fiscal problems.

Critics and the Leadership newspaper have characterized Abubakar's position as a self-serving political tactic, pointing to the historical corruption associated with the subsidy policy.