Fuel subsidy: Atiku lacks understanding of governance, economy, says Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has criticised a campaign promise by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to restore fuel subsidy if elected president in the 2027 general election.

Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), had pledged to reinstate the petrol subsidy if he wins the 2027 presidential election.

Reacting to the promise on Thursday, August 20, 2026, Tinubu described the proposal as evidence of a poor understanding of governance and the economy.

The president, who spoke during a meeting with Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke at the Presidential Villa, added that reversing the removal of the subsidy would be a setback for Nigeria’s economic reforms.

Presidency defends subsidy removal, says Nigeria can’t return to old fuel regime

Tinubu stressed that the subsidy regime had weakened the finances of many states before his administration took office.

He said: “I saw one of my opponents now say he will go back to subsidy. I read it. That is a demonstration of serious ignorance on governance and the economy.

“Before I came here, 27 states were unable to pay salaries, not to talk of pensioners. Workers were owed salaries, while state governments depended on the federal government and were unable to do much.”