Obi Rejects Atiku's Proposal to Restore Nigeria Fuel Subsidy

A heated debate over Nigeria's fuel subsidy policy has intensified among opposition presidential candidates, with Peter Obi rejecting a proposal from Atiku Abubakar to restore the subsidy if elected in 2027. The disagreement unfolded at the Nigerian Bar Association conference in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Monday, August 24, 2026, where several hopefuls presented their economic and security platforms.

Atiku, the candidate of the African Democratic Congress, recently pledged to reinstate a targeted fuel subsidy, reversing his earlier support for its removal. He argued that the policy has failed to improve citizens' lives and that the government continues to absorb price shortfalls under different names. In a statement issued on Sunday, August 23, his campaign said the subsidy would be "targeted, transparent and timebound," with a clear exit plan.

However, Peter Obi, the Nigerian Democratic Congress candidate, firmly disagreed. He maintained that subsidy removal remains necessary, but argued the core problem is the mismanagement of the savings. "Mismanagement of the proceeds should not be the reason for not removing it," Obi stated. He contended that the government should have...