Atiku Promises Fuel Subsidy Restoration, End to Insecurity Ahead of 2027 Election

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has vowed to restore petrol and electricity subsidies and intensify efforts to tackle insecurity if he wins the 2027 presidential election.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate gave the assurance on Saturday at the party’s campaign rally in Bauchi State, calling on residents to vote for ADC candidates across all elective positions.

Addressing supporters, Atiku reiterated his commitment to reversing the removal of petroleum subsidy, while extending the promise to electricity consumers.

“I have already promised all Nigerians that I will restore petroleum subsidy. Not only that, I will also restore subsidy in electricity,” he declared.

He further promised to confront the security challenges affecting the Northeast and other parts of the country.

The ADC candidate also said his proposed administration would expand oil exploration activities in the Kolmani area as part of efforts to increase national revenue.

Atiku urged voters in Bauchi to support the ADC at every level of government, including the presidency, National Assembly, governorship, state assembly and councillorship positions.

He expressed appreciation to the people of the state for their support during previous elections, observing that Bauchi had consistently delivered substantial votes for him.

Looking ahead to the 2027 polls, he called on residents to turn out in large numbers, defend their ballots and ensure that election results were accurately counted and transmitted.

“I want you to make sure you come out in your thousands. You vote for ADC. You defend the vote. You ensure that the votes are counted, and results are transmitted before you leave the polling booth,” he said.

Petrol subsidy was removed by President Bola Tinubu on May 29, 2023, during his inauguration, when he announced that “the fuel subsidy is gone”.

Tinubu explained that resources previously spent on subsidising petrol would be redirected towards infrastructure, education, healthcare and employment generation.

Atiku has consistently advocated the restoration of petrol subsidy ahead of the 2027 elections. In August, he again promised to reverse the policy, raising questions about the utilisation of the savings from its removal.

The former vice-president was accompanied at the Bauchi rally by his running mate, former Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi, ADC National Chairman Senator David Mark and other senior party figures.

The party’s governorship candidate in Bauchi, Senator Halliru Dauda Jika, also joined the campaign delegation alongside other ADC leaders and political stakeholders.

Atiku said his administration would focus on implementing policies that would ease the economic burden on Nigerians and address the country’s major challenges.