Fuel subsidy: Hardship not economic policy — Atiku replies Tinubu

The war of words between the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Atiku Abubakar, and President Bola Tinubu’s administration over fuel subsidy removal is far from over, as the ex-Vice President on Friday launched a fresh attack on the government.

In a statement by his media team, Atiku faulted the Tinubu administration over the economic hardship caused by fuel subsidy removal and other economic policies implemented over the last three years.

Recall that Atiku had proposed the return of fuel subsidy if elected President in 2027.

He explained that his proposal did not mean a return to the old subsidy regime.

However, the Presidency, through a statement by presidential aide, Sunday Dare, said Atiku was attempting to manipulate Nigerians ahead of the 2027 election.

Reacting, Atiku said Tinubu’s policies, including fuel subsidy removal and the liberalisation of the naira against the dollar, had brought nothing but pain and agony to the majority of Nigerians.

He said: “If economic ignorance had a presidential seal, Tinubu and his family would be its official logo. Here is an administration that detonated simultaneous fuel-price, exchange-rate and cost-of-living shocks across a fragile economy, watched millions become poorer, and now struts around Abuja demanding applause for the wreckage.

“That is not reform. It is economic arson followed by propaganda about the ashes.”

DAILY POST reports that Tinubu and Atiku are among the 19 presidential candidates for the January 16, 2027 election.