The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Atiku Abubakar, has warned Nigerians against what he described as a plan by President Bola Tinubu to temporarily bring back fuel subsidy as the 2027 election approaches and remove it again after securing reelection.
Atiku made the allegation on Friday during a press conference at his residence in Abuja.
The former Vice President also claimed that transporters in Lagos State were preparing to stage a protest, which he said could give the Tinubu administration an excuse to reverse the subsidy policy temporarily.
According to Atiku, the subsidy could be restored ahead of the election before being removed again if Tinubu wins another term in office.
“I’m aware that Lagos transporters are planning a protest,” Atiku said.
“That protest will provide Bola Tinubu the excuse to temporarily bring back fuel subsidy and, after being re-elected, go back to remove it.”
Tinubu announced the removal of the petrol subsidy during his inaugural address on May 29, 2023, shortly after assuming office.
The policy change triggered a sharp increase in petrol prices across the country. Petrol, which had sold for less than ₦200 per litre before the subsidy removal, now sells for about ₦1,430 per litre.
Atiku urged Nigerians to be cautious about any possible reversal of the subsidy policy as the country moves closer to the 2027 general election.
The allegation comes amid continuing debate over the impact of fuel prices on transport costs, household expenses and businesses across Nigeria.
APC hits back at Atiku over Mambilla dispute
The All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council has criticised Atiku Abubakar over the controversy surrounding the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project, questioning his suitability to lead Nigeria.
The council made the claim in a statement issued on Friday by its spokesperson, Dele Alake.
The statement followed a decision by an International Chamber of Commerce tribunal to dismiss claims brought against Nigeria by Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Limited over the Mambilla project.
The tribunal rejected Sunrise Power’s demands, including a claim of $680 million and another claim exceeding $2.7 billion.
The APC campaign council focused its response on an alleged $500,000 payment said to have been made by Leno Adesanya, promoter of Sunrise Power, to Jennifer Douglas, who was Atiku’s then wife, in January 2003.
The council alleged that the payment was connected to the award of the Mambilla contract and raised questions about Atiku’s role in the process.
The APC used the issue to challenge Atiku’s record and his suitability for the presidency.
The dispute over the Mambilla project has remained a major political issue, with questions surrounding the contract, the arbitration case and the events that led to the legal dispute between Sunrise Power and the Nigerian government.
