By Sabiu Abdullahi
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, has condemned former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar’s proposal to restore the petrol subsidy if elected president in 2027.
Yilwatda described the proposal as an act of “desperation for power”, arguing that a return to the subsidy regime could expose Nigeria to renewed economic and fiscal challenges.
He made his position known in a statement issued on Sunday by his media aide, Abimbola Tooki.
Atiku, who is the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), had said on Wednesday that he would restore the petrol subsidy if elected president.
The former vice-president made the declaration in Hausa during an interview with an ADC media group. He also questioned the Federal Government’s management of funds saved after the removal of the subsidy.
“I did not oppose the removal of the oil subsidy, but where is the money? Where did it go? It was intended to reduce poverty and help children attend school. Where is the money now? It seems they are just stealing it,” Atiku said.
“If elected, I will bring back the oil subsidy, and whoever stole the money must refund it.”
The proposal attracted criticism, with opponents arguing that it was inconsistent with Atiku’s position before the 2023 presidential election, when he was reported to have supported the removal of the petrol subsidy.
President Bola Tinubu also rejected the proposal, describing it as evidence of “serious ignorance of governance and economy”.
Reacting to Atiku’s position, Yilwatda said economic policies should not be shaped by electoral considerations.
Economic Policy Cannot Be Reduced To Election-Season Promises
Yilwatda spoke on Saturday during a visit to the headquarters of the City Boy Movement in Abuja.
He said Nigerians require detailed and sustainable economic plans rather than promises made during election campaigns.
The APC chairman said any proposal to reinstate the subsidy should face thorough scrutiny because the previous arrangement imposed a heavy financial burden on the government and caused distortions within the economy.
He added that opposition politicians had been challenged over the past three years to present clear alternatives to the policies of the APC administration, but, according to him, no convincing alternative had emerged.
Yilwatda questioned the timing of Atiku’s proposal, given that the 2027 election is approaching.
“Economic policy cannot be reduced to election-season promises,” Yilwatda said.
“Nigerians deserve to know precisely where the money will come from, what sectors will bear the cost and whether such a policy can be sustained without reopening the fiscal pressures that necessitated reform in the first place.”
He defended the removal of the petrol subsidy as a difficult but necessary decision. According to him, the policy should be supported with measures that reduce its impact on citizens, expand social interventions and strengthen productive sectors.
Yilwatda said effective leadership requires more than promises of immediate relief for electoral benefit. He argued that leaders must be prepared to make difficult decisions, explain them to Nigerians and pursue policies that can support lasting economic growth.
He urged Nigerians to assess the economic programmes of the various political parties before the 2027 elections.
The APC chairman advised voters to distinguish between policies that address the country’s structural challenges and proposals that may offer short-term political benefits while creating greater financial problems in the future.
Nigerians Must Scrutinise Policy Directions Of Those Seeking Power
Yilwatda also questioned the consistency of opposition politicians, particularly those who have moved between different political platforms.
He argued that politicians who frequently change parties may find it difficult to convince Nigerians that they can provide the stability and policy direction required to govern the country.
The APC chairman said President Tinubu had maintained a progressive political identity throughout his career, except during periods of political mergers. He also described Vice-President Kashim Shettima as having maintained a consistent political path.
According to Yilwatda, the Tinubu administration has taken difficult economic measures as part of efforts to attract investment, boost local production and reduce reliance on government interventions that he described as unsustainable.
He warned that reversing the reforms without presenting a credible alternative could weaken investor confidence and increase pressure on government finances.
Yilwatda urged Nigerians to examine the records and policy positions of presidential aspirants rather than accept promises designed mainly to win votes.
He also called for scrutiny of past disputes involving Atiku and former President Olusegun Obasanjo, including allegations linked to the privatisation programme conducted under the Obasanjo administration.
The APC chairman said issues of accountability and economic management should remain central to discussions ahead of the 2027 election.
He maintained that the election should focus on ideas, competence and credible policy alternatives rather than political promises that ignore the country’s economic realities.
