Tinubu knocks Atiku’s subsidy plan, says proposal shows ‘ignorance’ of economy

President Bola Tinubu has criticised former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar’s proposal to restore petrol subsidy if elected president in 2027, describing the position as evidence of what he called “serious ignorance” of governance and the economy.

Tinubu spoke on Thursday at the State House, Abuja, while receiving Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, who visited the President following his victory in the August 15 governorship election.

Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), had on Wednesday said he would reverse the removal of petrol subsidy if elected president in 2027.

The former vice-president also accused the Tinubu administration of failing to account for the savings generated from the subsidy removal introduced at the beginning of the administration.

Tinubu, however, defended the policy, insisting that the country’s financial situation before his administration made reform unavoidable.

“Let’s look at the trajectory of the history. I saw one of my opponents now say he will go back to subsidy. I read it. That is demonstration of a serious ignorance on governance and economy,” the President said.

According to Tinubu, 27 states were unable to pay workers’ salaries before he assumed office, with pension obligations also posing significant challenges.

He argued that scarce public resources should be redirected towards infrastructure and social services rather than being used to subsidise petrol consumption.

READ ALSO; Atiku’s fuel subsidy promise: Economic relief or 2027 campaign strategy?

“Use the resources for quality roads, housing, education and healthcare,” he said.

The removal of petrol subsidy has remained one of the most controversial economic policies of the Tinubu administration, triggering significant increases in fuel prices and living costs while freeing resources that the government says can be deployed to other sectors.

Atiku has consistently criticised the policy, arguing that the government should have implemented reforms that protected citizens from the impact of higher energy costs.

The President also urged Adeleke to use his electoral victory to promote reconciliation and unity in Osun State.

Tinubu cautioned the governor against treating the election as a victory over political opponents, stressing that democratic elections should be viewed as a mandate to serve the people.

“You did not conquer anybody. You won the election. That is the essence of democracy,” Tinubu told Adeleke.

He urged the governor to broaden his political reach and work towards healing divisions created during the election campaign.

“All for the reconciliation expand your coast. That is the only way you can give thanks to our people. Not the way you sang it or celebrated it. It’s the way you act it,” the President said.

Adeleke’s visit came days after he secured victory in the Osun governorship election, defeating his major challenger in the closely watched poll.

Tinubu’s remarks effectively placed economic policy and political reconciliation at the centre of his message to the governor, while also renewing the debate over the future of petrol subsidy ahead of the 2027 presidential election.