Nigeria’s former Edo State governor and senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, has criticised former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar over his proposal to restore petrol subsidies if elected president in 2027.
Oshiomhole said Atiku had previously argued in favour of removing the subsidy during his tenure as vice-president under former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
Speaking in an interview with TVC, Oshiomhole recalled his time as president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), saying Atiku had personally explained to him why the subsidy system was wasteful and needed to be removed.
“Atiku Abubakar himself, in his quiet moment, will laugh at himself. Don’t forget, I was the president of the NLC, and as vice-president, Atiku lectured me about the waste of petroleum subsidy and why it is necessary to remove it,” Oshiomhole said.
He argued that Atiku’s current position represented a significant shift from his previous stance on the issue.
Atiku, who is now the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has said he would restore a form of petrol subsidy if elected in 2027.
The proposal has become a major point of debate ahead of Nigeria’s next presidential election, with supporters arguing that targeted intervention could reduce the burden of high fuel prices on Nigerians.
The ADC has said its proposal would involve a targeted, capped and budgeted subsidy intervention, with independent auditing and mechanisms to ensure public funds are traceable. (Premium Times Nigeria)
Oshiomhole also questioned Atiku’s previous position on the future of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, saying the former vice-president had advocated privatisation during the 2023 presidential campaign.
The senator’s comments come amid a wider political dispute over President Bola Tinubu’s 2023 decision to end the petrol subsidy regime and the economic consequences of that policy.
The subsidy issue is expected to remain a significant subject of debate as political parties and presidential candidates prepare for the 2027 election.
