Atiku accuses Tinubu of planning fuel subsidy reversal to win 2027 election
Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), accused President Bola Tinubu of planning to reintroduce the fuel subsidy through a 'back door' as the 2027 election draws nearer. The claim was made in a statement issued on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, by Atiku’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu.
The allegation matters because it frames the potential subsidy reversal as a political tactic rather than a genuine effort to ease citizens’ burden. Nigerians have faced heightened living costs since the fuel subsidy was removed, and any sudden policy shift close to an election could influence voter perceptions and trust in leadership.
Atiku said his team had received credible intelligence indicating the Tinubu administration had entered ‘full panic mode’ and was preparing to reverse part of the fuel subsidy policy ahead of the next presidential election. He accused the government of making Nigerians suffer for three and a half years before offering limited relief near the ballot box, calling the strategy cynical and obvious.
As the 2027 election approaches, will you scrutinize the motives behind any relief measures offered by the government, or accept short‑term benefits without questioning their long‑term impact on the economy and your livelihood?