Former Delta State Commissioner for Oil and Gas Producing Areas, Sir Kenny Okolugbo, has criticised African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar over his pledge to restore fuel subsidy if elected president in 2027.
Atiku’s position on the subsidy has generated debate, with members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) accusing the former vice president of seeking to return the country to what they described as an era of corruption.
Reacting in a video posted on his official X account on Wednesday, Okolugbo alleged that Atiku’s promise to restore the subsidy was politically motivated and aimed at attracting votes ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
He also questioned Atiku’s decision to support the return of fuel subsidy, recalling that the former vice president had reportedly advocated its removal during the 2022 election cycle.
Okolugbo said, “So, I’m tired of this debate on fuel subsidy. Atiku, you cannot bring back fuel subsidy, you are only doing this because you want to win the 2027 election by all means.
“I assure you that Atiku cannot win this election, there’s no pathway. You couldn’t have said you’re going to remove the subsidy just at the last election and now you’re going to bring it back.
“Of course, we want the economy to do a lot better than it is now, but you cannot bring back subsidy and take us back to the dark old days when we were printing 30 trillion naira yet not able to pay salaries, the state couldn’t pay salaries.
“Maybe you’ll wait till 2031 when it goes back to the north. For now, it is the turn of the south.”
BACKSTORY:
Debate over Nigeria’s fuel subsidy policy has intensified ahead of the 2027 presidential election after ADC candidate Atiku Abubakar pledged to restore the subsidy if elected. The position has drawn criticism from members and supporters of the ruling APC, who argue that its return could revive the problems associated with the former subsidy regime. Former Delta State Commissioner Kenny Okolugbo has now joined the criticism, questioning Atiku’s change of position and alleging that the promise is aimed at winning votes.
