Atiku Distances Self From Aide’s Subsidy Remarks, Promises Targeted Intervention

The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Atiku Abubakar, has reaffirmed his plan to restore petrol subsidy if elected in 2027, saying his position on the controversial policy remains unchanged.

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Atiku made the clarification on Tuesday while receiving the Osun State leadership of the ADC in Abuja, where he distanced himself from comments attributed to one of his media aides, Paul Ibe, concerning the proposed subsidy regime.

The former Vice President said Ibe was not speaking on his authority, stressing that his administration would introduce a targeted form of intervention aimed at easing the economic pressure on Nigerians.

“On the question of subsidy, my position has not changed and will not change: I will restore it. Nigeria is rich enough to look after its own,” Atiku stated.

He argued that the removal of petrol subsidy had contributed to higher transportation and food costs, weakening the purchasing power of households and increasing the operating burden on businesses.

Atiku said his proposed policy would not amount to a return to the former system of subsidising imported petrol. Rather, he said, the intervention would be designed to support domestic refining, reduce energy costs and make essential goods more affordable.

The clarification followed comments by Ibe during an interview on AIT, where the aide said an Atiku administration would restore subsidy temporarily and gradually withdraw it as the economy recovered and domestic refining capacity expanded.

However, Atiku’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, subsequently explained that the proposed intervention would be capped, transparently budgeted and independently audited, with support tied to domestic refining and production.

Shaibu said the policy would not have a predetermined withdrawal date, explaining that government support would be scaled down as local refining capacity increased, fuel supply stabilised and competition became strong enough to sustain affordable prices.

He likened the proposed intervention to scaffolding used during construction, saying it would only be removed when the economic structure was strong enough to stand without government support.

The renewed debate comes ahead of the 2027 presidential election and against the backdrop of President Bola Tinubu’s decision to end petrol subsidy shortly after assuming office in May 2023.

The Federal Government has defended the reform as necessary to improve public finances and attract investment, although the policy has been blamed by critics for contributing to rising transport fares, food prices and living costs.

Atiku, however, maintained that his proposed intervention would focus on reducing production and transportation costs rather than recreating the import-dependent subsidy regime.

He said government support could include making crude oil available to local refiners at favourable rates, thereby lowering production costs and, ultimately, pump prices.

According to Ibe, the arrangement would also involve monitoring fuel prices to ensure that refiners and marketers operate within the framework of the policy.

The ADC candidate’s latest position is expected to keep the subsidy debate at the centre of political discussions as parties and presidential hopefuls begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 election.