Are You Going Back To Fraud?’ – Wike Blasts Atiku Over Fuel Subsidy Promise

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has criticised the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, over his promise to restore fuel subsidy if elected president in 2027.

According to Ireporter Online, Atiku recently made the pledge during an interview circulating on social media, arguing that Nigerians had yet to see sufficient benefits from the removal of petrol subsidy under President Bola Tinubu.

Tinubu announced the removal of the petrol subsidy in May 2023, shortly after assuming office. The policy resulted in a sharp increase in petrol prices and contributed to higher transportation costs and rising prices of goods and services.

Reacting to Atiku’s position while speaking with journalists in Abuja on Thursday, Wike accused the former Vice-President of inconsistency.

The FCT Minister recalled that Atiku had reportedly promised during the 2022 presidential campaign to remove the subsidy if elected, but was now advocating its restoration ahead of the 2027 election.

Wike questioned the rationale behind the change in Atiku’s position and argued that political leaders should maintain consistency in their policies and promises to Nigerians.

He said, “Atiku is confused. He said in 2022 that he was going to remove the subsidy, now in 2026 he wants to restore fuel subsidy. Are you going back to the fraud?”

Wike added that effective leadership requires politicians to remain consistent in their positions rather than making conflicting statements at different times.

He said, “We need to be consistent in what we say to our people. That is what leadership is.

“Leadership is not you coming out in the morning to say a thing and come back in the afternoon to say a different thing.”