The Presidency has criticised the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, over his pledge to restore fuel subsidy if elected president in 2027.
Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Public Communication and Orientation, Sunday Dare, described the proposal as an attempt to mislead Nigerians for political gain.
Atiku had earlier promised to reverse the fuel subsidy removal, arguing that Nigerians had not benefited sufficiently from the savings generated by the policy. He also questioned how the funds saved from subsidy removal had been utilised.
Reacting to the former vice-president’s position, Dare accused him of hypocrisy and said the proposed policy could undermine the economic gains recorded under the Tinubu administration.
According to Dare, the ongoing recovery in different sectors of the economy would be threatened if Atiku’s plan to restore the subsidy were implemented.
“Atiku Abubakar: Your pronouncement that you will bring back fuel subsidy is drenched in hypocrisy and deceit,” Dare stated, describing the proposal as an attempt to manipulate Nigerians ahead of the 2027 election.
He argued that Atiku’s position was aimed at influencing voters by promising a return to a policy the current administration abolished as part of its economic reforms.
Dare further urged Nigerians to reject the proposal, insisting that restoring the subsidy would reverse the progress the government claims to have achieved through its reforms.
“By the Grace of God, it will not happen, and all good men of conscience must rise up against you,” the presidential aide said.
The exchange adds to the growing political debate over fuel subsidy, economic reforms and the direction Nigeria should take ahead of the 2027 pres
