Why Atiku’s New Subsidy Promise Puts Tinubu on the Defensive

I believe Atiku Abubakar’s pledge to restore a redesigned petrol subsidy has opened the strongest policy debate of the 2027 campaign so far. Unlike past attacks focused on President Bola Tinubu’s personal history, this argument goes directly to the rising cost of fuel, food, transport and electricity. Atiku says his proposed model would prioritise locally refined petrol, offer qualifying refineries preferential crude prices, set a yearly spending limit and track subsidised crude to prevent diversion. His position deserves close scrutiny, especially because he previously supported subsidy removal. Still, the government must answer the question many Nigerians are asking: where are the benefits of subsidy removal? While public revenues may have improved, households and businesses continue to face severe economic pressure. Atiku must clearly explain how his plan will be funded, how it will comply with existing petroleum laws and how it will prevent corruption. For now, the debate has shifted from old political scandals to the daily struggle for survival in Nigerian homes, markets and workplaces.

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