Former Kano State governor and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has criticised President Bola Tinubu over the removal of fuel subsidy.
Kwankwaso said the decision to end the subsidy at the beginning of Tinubu’s administration was taken without adequate measures to cushion its impact on Nigerians.
Speaking on Arise Television, Kwankwaso said the consequences of the policy had contributed to the economic difficulties experienced by Nigerians.
“Bola Tinubu decided to remove the subsidy and the consequences we thought would happen certainly happened,” he said.
“He removed it immediately without looking at all the possible issues. That is how we found ourselves in this total mess economically.”
Kwankwaso argued that the government should have considered measures to reduce the impact of the subsidy removal before implementing the policy.
He also said Nigerians should be able to access petrol at a lower price, adding that the cost of fuel had implications for transportation and other areas of the economy.
Kwankwaso said the NDC would seek ways to reduce the cost of petrol if it wins the 2027 election.
The former governor also expressed opposition to the establishment of state police, arguing that putting more weapons in the hands of citizens could worsen disputes and affect public safety.
His comments come amid continued political debate over the economic effects of fuel subsidy removal and the policies being proposed by opposition groups ahead of the 2027 general elections.
