Atiku calls Tinubu's fuel subsidy removal 'economic arson' amid 2027 election debate

Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), accused President Bola Tinubu's administration of causing economic hardship through fuel subsidy removal and naira liberalization, calling it "economic arson followed by propaganda about the ashes" in a statement released on Friday, August 16, 2026. He argued that Tinubu's policies have brought "nothing but pain and agony to the majority of Nigerians," detonating simultaneous fuel-price, exchange-rate and cost-of-living shocks.

This continues the debate over Nigeria's economic policies ahead of the January 16, 2027 presidential election, where both Atiku and Tinubu are among 19 candidates. Atiku previously proposed returning fuel subsidies if elected in 2027, though he clarified it wouldn't be a return to the old regime. The Presidency, through aide Sunday Dare, had accused Atiku of manipulating Nigerians ahead of the election.

The exchange highlights a fundamental disagreement on Nigeria's economic direction, with Atiku framing subsidy removal as destructive reform while the government maintains it's necessary for long-term stability. Nigerians continue to face high fuel prices and currency volatility affecting daily costs of transportation, food, and goods.

With citizens bearing the brunt of policy decisions, which approach do you believe better addresses Nigeria's challenges: maintaining current reforms to stabilize the economy or reinstating subsidies to ease immediate cost-of-living pressures?

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/08/21/fuel-subsidy-hardship-not-economic-policy-atiku-replies-tinubu/