Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, a prominent contender in the 2027 presidential race, has declared that he is in a political contest against thieves.
Atiku made the remark in a video shared across his social media handles on Tuesday night while addressing a gathering of his supporters.
He said, “We are competing with thieves. They stole the election. Now they have stolen the economy. They have stolen everything,”.
The presidential candidate reaffirmed his commitment to restore the fuel subsidy regime if elected president in 2027, dismissing statements credited to his spokesperson, Paul Ibe, which suggested that his administration would temporarily reinstate the subsidy and remove it at a later date.
Clarifying his position on the policy, Atiku stated, “So many Nigerians have been calling me to say that one of my aides had contradicted me in my policy statement as far as subsidy is concerned.”
He noted, “I want to repeat categorically that what I said I will return subsidy, I will. Nigeria is rich enough to look after the welfare of its citizens.”
Atiku maintained, “Therefore, let it be clearly stated that he was not speaking on my own authority because the removal of subsidy has driven more Nigerians into poverty than at any other time.”
He added, “And the fundamental responsibility of the government is the welfare. Two, I will make sure we secure this country.”
President Bola Tinubu had previously dismissed Atiku’s proposal to return the fuel subsidy, describing the stance as reflecting “serious ignorance on governance and economy.”
However, Atiku maintained that his position is anchored on protecting citizens from the severe economic hardship that followed the cessation of the subsidy payments.
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