President Bola Tinubu has knocked former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar’s plan to restore petrol subsidy if elected president in 2027, describing the proposal as a sign of poor understanding of Nigeria’s economic challenges.
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Tinubu made the remark on Thursday at the State House in Abuja while receiving Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, who paid him a visit.
Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), had announced on Wednesday that he would bring back petrol subsidy if Nigerians elect him president in 2027.
The former vice-president also questioned the management of the funds the Federal Government claimed to have saved since subsidy removal in May 2023.
However, Tinubu defended his decision to end the subsidy, arguing that the policy was necessary to redirect public resources towards projects that directly benefit Nigerians.
According to the president, several states were struggling to meet their basic financial obligations before he assumed office, including the payment of workers’ salaries and pensions.
He said returning to subsidy would undermine efforts to free government resources for infrastructure and essential services.
Tinubu described Atiku’s proposal as evidence of what he called a fundamental misunderstanding of governance and economic management.
“Going back to subsidy is not the solution to Nigeria’s economic problems. Government must invest available resources where citizens can see lasting benefits,” Tinubu said.
The president said such investments should include better roads, affordable housing, quality education and improved healthcare.
Tinubu asks Adeleke to unite Osun
The president also urged Adeleke to use his victory in the August 15 governorship election to promote reconciliation across Osun State.
Adeleke secured victory in the election and is expected to continue leading the state for another term.
Tinubu cautioned the governor against treating the electoral victory as a defeat of his political opponents.
He said winning an election should come with a responsibility to govern everyone, including those who voted against the winner.
“You did not conquer anybody. You won an election, and that is the essence of democracy,” the president said.
Tinubu further encouraged Adeleke to broaden his political reach and work towards healing divisions created during the election campaign.
He said the best way for the governor to demonstrate appreciation for the mandate was through his actions in office.
“Your victory should become a bridge for reconciliation. The people of Osun need governance that brings them together rather than deepens political divisions,” Tinubu told the governor.
The president’s remarks came as the debate over petrol subsidy and the economic impact of its removal continues to shape political discussions ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Atiku has maintained that Nigerians deserve greater accountability over the savings and financial benefits associated with subsidy removal, while the Tinubu administration continues to defend the policy as a major step towards reforming the economy.
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