Yilwatda: Atiku’s Subsidy Plan Driven by Desperation for Power — APC Chairman
Reported By Facthabournews
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has criticised former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar’s proposal to restore petrol subsidy if elected president in 2027, describing the policy shift as politically motivated.
Yilwatda argued that Nigeria cannot afford to return to the subsidy regime, which he said placed significant pressure on government finances and created economic distortions.
The APC chairman spoke in Abuja while reacting to Atiku’s recent declaration that he would introduce a targeted petrol subsidy if elected president.
Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has argued that Nigerians have not adequately benefited from savings generated following the removal of petrol subsidy. He has also demanded greater transparency over how the funds saved from the policy have been deployed.
Yilwatda, however, questioned the sustainability of Atiku’s proposal, warning that economic policies should not be shaped primarily by electoral considerations.
According to him, any decision to restore subsidy must clearly explain the source of funding, its long-term cost and how the government would prevent a return to the fiscal pressures associated with the previous system.
The APC chairman described the proposal as a major policy reversal and urged Nigerians to examine the economic implications of political promises ahead of the 2027 elections.
He maintained that the removal of subsidy, although difficult for Nigerians, was necessary to free government resources and redirect them towards productive sectors and public services.
The debate comes amid growing disagreement among political actors over the direction of Nigeria’s economic reforms ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
While Atiku has advocated a targeted and transparently funded intervention to cushion consumers, the APC has maintained that Nigeria should consolidate the reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu rather than return to the previous subsidy structure.
The controversy has also attracted criticism from other political figures, with some questioning Atiku’s change of position while others argue that targeted government intervention may be necessary to protect households from high energy costs.
As the 2027 election approaches, the petrol subsidy debate is expected to remain a major issue, particularly around the competing questions of fuel affordability, government spending, fiscal sustainability and the welfare of Nigerians.
Category: Politics
Tags: Nentawe Yilwatda, Atiku Abubakar, Petrol Subsidy, APC, ADC, 2027 Elections, Nigeria Economy
