The African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has promised to restore Nigeria’s fuel subsidy if elected President in the 2027 general elections, while vowing to recover funds allegedly stolen under the subsidy regime.
Atiku made the pledge during a Hausa-language interview on the PAP programme on Wednesday, where he questioned the impact of the subsidy removal on the living conditions of Nigerians.
The former Vice President said although he initially did not oppose the decision to remove the petrol subsidy, developments under the current administration had changed his position.
According to him, Nigerians deserve to know how the funds saved from the policy have been utilised.
“I initially did not oppose the removal of the fuel subsidy. But now that it has been removed, where is the money?” Atiku asked.
President Bola Tinubu announced the removal of the petrol subsidy during his inauguration on May 29, 2023, describing the scheme as unsustainable.
The Federal Government said on Wednesday that the removal of the subsidy, alongside the liberalisation of the naira, generated N15.8 trillion in savings for the federation between June 2023 and December 2025.
However, Atiku argued that the reported savings had not translated into meaningful improvements in the lives of ordinary Nigerians.
He said that if elected, his administration would restore the subsidy while investigating allegations of corruption surrounding subsidy funds.
Atiku further pledged that individuals found to have stolen money meant for fuel subsidies would be compelled to return the funds.
He maintained that the resources saved from subsidy removal should have been channelled into critical sectors, including healthcare, education, security and youth empowerment.
“If the funds were used to improve healthcare, education, insecurity, security and youth empowerment, things would have been better,” he said.
The ADC candidate also criticised what he described as corruption and injustice among political leaders, arguing that these remained major factors responsible for the hardship faced by Nigerians.
Atiku said his proposed approach would focus not only on restoring the subsidy but also on recovering public funds allegedly diverted by individuals.
His pledge is expected to make fuel subsidy policy a major issue in the 2027 presidential contest, particularly as Nigerians continue to debate the economic consequences of its removal and the use of the resulting government savings.
