Unpardonable Manipulation’ – Presidency Fires Back At Atiku Over Fuel Subsidy Plan

The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, has criticised the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, over his proposal to restore fuel subsidy if elected president in 2027.

According to Ireporter Online, Atiku recently pledged to reverse the petrol subsidy removal, arguing that Nigerians have yet to experience sufficient benefits from the policy introduced by the Tinubu administration.

Atiku has also questioned how the savings from subsidy removal have been utilised, amid concerns over the rising cost of living and the economic impact of the policy.

Reacting to the proposal in a statement on Thursday, Dare described Atiku’s position as an attempt to influence voters through what he termed misleading promises.

The presidential aide argued that restoring the subsidy would undermine the economic reforms implemented by the Tinubu administration and reverse what he described as gains recorded in various sectors.

Dare said Atiku’s proposal was “drenched in hypocrisy and deceit” and described it as an “unpardonable manipulation” of Nigerians aimed at influencing unsuspecting voters ahead of the 2027 election.

He further argued that the former Vice-President’s position appeared to be motivated by dissatisfaction with the economic recovery being pursued by the current administration.

The presidential aide maintained that reversing the subsidy policy would undermine the government’s ongoing reforms and called on Nigerians to reject Atiku’s proposal.

Dare said the proposed return of fuel subsidy would not happen under the current political trajectory, urging citizens who support the administration’s reforms to oppose any attempt to reverse them.