2027: ‘We Are Competing With Thieves’ — Atiku Pledges To Restore Fuel Subsidy

Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has accused those in power of allegedly stealing Nigeria’s economy and electoral mandate ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Atiku made the allegation while addressing supporters at his residence in Abuja, in a video shared on his social media platform.

“We are competing with thieves. They stole the election. Now they have stolen the economy. They have stolen everything,” Atiku said.

The former Vice President, who is positioning himself as one of the major opposition contenders for the 2027 presidential election, also renewed his pledge to restore the petrol subsidy if elected President.

Atiku said his position on the subsidy had not changed, dismissing comments attributed to his media aide, Paul Ibe, suggesting that an Atiku administration could restore the subsidy before eventually removing it.

According to him, Ibe was not speaking with his authority.

“So many Nigerians have been calling me to say that one of my aides had contradicted me in my policy statement as far as subsidy is concerned.

“I want to repeat categorically that what I said I will return subsidy, I will. Nigeria is rich enough to look after the welfare of its citizens,” he said.

Atiku criticised the removal of the petrol subsidy by the administration of President Bola Tinubu, arguing that the policy had worsened economic hardship and pushed more Nigerians into poverty.

He maintained that the primary responsibility of government should be the welfare and security of citizens.

“The removal of subsidy has driven more Nigerians into poverty than at any other time,” he said.

Atiku further argued that Nigeria’s wealth should be measured by the purchasing power of its citizens rather than the amount of money collected by government.

“The wealth of a nation is not measured by how much government collects, but by how much the money in the pockets of its people can buy,” he stated.

He also promised that, if elected in 2027, his administration would prioritise the welfare of Nigerians and improve national security.

“The fundamental responsibility of the government is the welfare. Two, I will make sure we secure this country,” Atiku said.

His comments come as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections, with opposition parties and candidates increasingly criticising the Tinubu administration over the economy, security and the impact of its reforms.

Atiku’s remarks have also placed fuel subsidy and the cost-of-living crisis at the centre of the emerging 2027 campaign debate.

The former Vice President contested the 2023 presidential election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party but lost to President Tinubu. He is now seeking to lead the ADC into the 2027 presidential contest.