Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has renewed the debate over Nigeria’s economic reforms after promising to restore fuel and electricity subsidies if elected president in the 2027 general elections. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate says his proposed administration would prioritise reducing the financial pressure on households and businesses through renewed government support for energy costs.
Atiku made the promise on Saturday, November 14, during an ADC presidential campaign rally at the Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium in Bauchi State. He addressed party supporters and outlined some of the policies he intends to pursue if Nigerians give him another opportunity to lead the country.
The former Vice-President specifically mentioned petroleum and electricity subsidies among his major promises. He also pledged to improve security across the country, particularly in the North-East, where communities continue to face security challenges.
“I have already promised all Nigerians that I will restore petroleum subsidy. Not only that, I will also restore subsidy in electricity power,” Atiku told supporters.
He further promised to continue petroleum exploration at the Kolmani oil field, which lies between Bauchi and Gombe states. According to him, expanding exploration activities would provide an additional source of revenue for Nigeria.
Atiku Subsidy Pledge Challenges Tinubu’s Economic Reforms
Atiku’s latest promise comes amid continued debate over the economic reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Tinubu announced the removal of petrol subsidies during his inauguration on May 29, 2023. The President argued that the government could no longer sustain the rising cost of subsidy payments and needed to redirect the money towards infrastructure, healthcare, education and other development priorities.
However, the decision significantly changed the country’s fuel market. Petrol prices increased, transportation became more expensive and businesses faced higher operating costs. These pressures also contributed to the rising cost of moving food and other essential commodities across the country.
The Federal Government has continued to defend its reform programme, maintaining that subsidy removal would improve public finances and reduce the pressure on government revenue.
Nevertheless, many Nigerians remain concerned about the immediate impact of the policy on their purchasing power and standard of living.
Atiku has repeatedly questioned the benefits Nigerians have received from the savings generated by subsidy removal. He has argued that the government must demonstrate how the resources have improved citizens’ welfare.
Atiku’s Position on Fuel Subsidy Has Changed
Atiku’s current campaign promise also raises questions about his earlier position on petroleum subsidy.
During the 2023 presidential campaign, he supported removing fuel subsidies, although he advocated a planned approach that would consider the interests of Nigerians.
His current position represents a significant change from that earlier stance. In August 2026, he defended his proposed return of petrol subsidies, arguing that the country’s resources should improve citizens’ living conditions.
He has also discussed a targeted subsidy arrangement that would support locally refined petroleum products rather than return to the previous system without changes.
This distinction is important because subsidy restoration does not necessarily mean a complete return to the former arrangement. However, Atiku has yet to provide a comprehensive public explanation of how his proposed electricity subsidy would operate or how both programmes would receive funding.
What Subsidy Restoration Could Mean for Nigerians
Restoring fuel subsidies could provide some relief to motorists, transport operators and businesses if government intervention reduces the prices consumers pay at filling stations.
Lower transportation costs could also help farmers move their produce more cheaply and reduce some of the expenses involved in distributing food across different states.
Similarly, electricity subsidies could reduce the financial burden on households and businesses, particularly those that depend heavily on public electricity supply. However, the actual benefits would depend on the subsidy structure, electricity tariffs and the amount of government support available.
Despite these possible benefits, restoring subsidies would require substantial public spending. Without a clear funding arrangement, the government could face additional pressure on its finances, especially when it must also provide infrastructure, healthcare, education and security.
Atiku’s proposal therefore presents voters with an important economic question ahead of the 2027 elections: how can Nigeria provide immediate relief to struggling households without creating another unsustainable financial burden?
As political campaigns gather momentum, Nigerians will expect candidates to explain not only the promises they make but also the practical steps they intend to take to fulfil them.