Atiku’s position on subsidy puts Tinubu under pressure - ADC chieftain

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar's position on the potential restoration of fuel subsidy has placed the current Nigerian government under significant political and economic pressure, according to Austin Okai, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

“

Atiku has dealt a significant political blow to the Tinubu administration by reopening the conversation on fuel subsidy. The question Nigerians are asking is simple: if subsidy was removed and the government has consistently spoken about the enormous savings generated, where exactly have those savings gone?

Okai stated that Abubakar's intervention has reignited a national debate about the government's decision to remove the subsidy. He also raised concerns regarding the accountability and transparency in managing the funds reportedly saved from the policy. "Atiku has dealt a significant political blow to the Tinubu administration by reopening the conversation on fuel subsidy," Okai said. "The question Nigerians are asking is simple: if subsidy was removed and the government has consistently spoken about the enormous savings generated, where exactly have those savings gone?"

“

Tinubu has responded. Ministers are responding. Presidential aides are reacting. This level of response shows that the issue has touched a very important political and economic nerve within the administration.

The ADC stakeholder highlighted that the strong reactions from the Presidency, ministers, and presidential aides underscore the issue's political sensitivity. Okai urged the Federal Government to provide a comprehensive account of the financial gains from subsidy removal, detailing the amounts saved, how the funds were utilized, and specific projects financed by these savings. He emphasized that Nigerians expect to see tangible benefits, especially amid rising fuel prices and increased cost of living, and are seeking accountability rather than propaganda.

“

The Nigerian people are not asking for propaganda. They are asking for accountability. They want to know what happened to the money saved from subsidy removal and why, despite the promised benefits, millions of Nigerians are still struggling with unprecedented economic hardship.