‘Atiku restoring fuel subsidy outright deception meant to win election’ – Shehu Sani
Former Senator Criticizes Atiku Abubakar’s Fuel Subsidy Promise
Abuja – Shehu Sani, a former senator representing Kaduna Central, has labeled the commitment made by Atiku Abubakar, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate for the 2027 presidential election, to restore fuel subsidies as a “political Trojan horse.”
Sani, speaking to reporters in Abuja, emphasized that Abubakar’s past support for the removal of fuel subsidies casts doubt on the feasibility of his latest promise. He described the pledge as an attempt to mislead Nigerians.
“What he is saying is outright deception of Nigerians,” Sani stated.
The former lawmaker pointed out that throughout his political career, Abubakar has consistently endorsed the removal of fuel subsidies. He criticized the ADC candidate for shifting his stance, suggesting a lack of sincerity motivated by the desire for votes.
“Abubakar has always subscribed to the neoliberal economic policies of Bretton Woods institutions, advocating for World Bank and IMF prescriptions, currency devaluation, and privatization of public enterprises. For him to now propose a reversal of his long-held position solely for electoral gain raises serious doubts about his credibility,” Sani remarked.
Sani further stated that reinstating subsidies would be challenging, given Nigeria’s history of significant expenditures in subsidizing petroleum products.
“For a number of reasons, what he said is virtually impracticable,” he asserted.
He highlighted concerns over corruption associated with subsidies, citing numerous cases where significant amounts of money were allegedly misappropriated in the name of importing petroleum products under the subsidy regime.
“While the removal of subsidy has undeniably caused hardship and economic suffering for many Nigerians, it has also fueled discord between ordinary citizens and the current administration,” Sani added.
