ATIKU SLAMS TINUBU OVER FUEL SUBSIDY DEBATE, SAYS PRESIDENT AND HIS “GANG OF JESTERS” NEED BASIC ECONOMIC LESSONS
Former Vice President and ADC presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has hit back at President Bola Tinubu over his criticism of Atiku’s proposal to restore a form of fuel subsidy if elected in 2027.
Atiku accused Tinubu of economic ignorance, arguing that the President’s removal of subsidy triggered higher petrol, transport and food prices, naira depreciation, inflation and declining purchasing power.
Atiku’s camp clarified that he is not proposing a return to the old subsidy system, but a targeted, capped, time-bound and independently audited mechanism aimed at supporting domestic production while preventing abuse.
He also questioned Tinubu’s claim that subsidy is gone, pointing to reported NNPC energy-security costs and petroleum under-recoveries, arguing that Nigerians still bear the costs despite the removal of the former subsidy regime.
Atiku further rejected Tinubu’s argument that subsidy removal has strengthened state finances through larger Federation Account allocations, saying governments should not become financially stronger at the expense of households struggling with rising living costs.
