Presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has reaffirmed his commitment to restoring petrol subsidy if elected president in 2027.

Atiku made the clarification on Tuesday in Abuja while receiving the Osun State leadership of the ADC. He said comments by his media aide, Paul Ibe, suggesting that the proposed subsidy would eventually be phased out did not reflect his position.

The former vice-president said he remained committed to restoring subsidy, arguing that Nigeria had enough resources to improve the welfare and purchasing power of its citizens.

According to Atiku, his proposed policy would focus on easing the impact of rising fuel, transportation and food costs rather than returning to the previous system of subsidising imported petrol.

He said the intervention would support domestic refining, reduce energy and transportation costs and improve Nigerians’ purchasing power. He also stated that the proposed subsidy would be targeted and designed to prevent abuse.

Atiku’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, said the intervention would be capped, transparently budgeted and independently audited. He added that it would be gradually withdrawn as domestic refining capacity increased, fuel supply stabilised and competition improved.

The debate over petrol subsidy has intensified ahead of the 2027 elections following its removal by President Bola Tinubu in May 2023, which led to a significant increase in fuel prices and living costs.