A presidential aide, Bayo Onanuga, has criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s proposal to restore fuel subsidy if elected president in 2027.
Onanuga described the proposal as impracticable and financially unsustainable, arguing that bringing back the subsidy would place additional pressure on the country’s finances.
Atiku, who is the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), had said he would consider restoring the subsidy if elected president.
Responding to the proposal, Onanuga said the policy would reverse the economic reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
He argued that the removal of the subsidy was necessary to reduce government expenditure and redirect public resources towards other areas of the economy.
The presidential aide maintained that returning to the subsidy regime would create additional financial obligations for the Federal Government and undermine efforts to strengthen the economy.
He also questioned the sustainability of using public funds to subsidise petroleum consumption, arguing that the resources could be better deployed to infrastructure and social services.
Atiku has, however, maintained that the subsidy removal has increased the economic burden on Nigerians and argued that the government should reconsider policies that have contributed to rising living costs.
The disagreement comes as political parties and presidential aspirants intensify preparations for the 2027 general election, with economic policies expected to feature prominently in the campaigns.
