The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kebbi State has thrown its weight behind Atiku Abubakar’s proposal to reintroduce a fuel subsidy if elected president in 2027.
The party said a transparent and accountable subsidy system could help reduce transportation costs and make essential commodities more affordable for Nigerians.
According to Daily Post, the Kebbi ADC made its position known in a statement issued on Sunday by its Deputy Publicity Secretary, Abubakar Musa. The party said Nigerians are struggling with rising prices of goods and services. It also pointed to the sharp increase in transportation costs.
The Kebbi ADC argued that a corruption-free subsidy regime could ease the pressure on low-income households. It said reducing the cost of transportation could also bring down the prices of essential commodities.
The party described Atiku’s proposal as timely, considering the economic difficulties facing many Nigerians. It also expressed full support for the ADC presidential candidate. Atiku recently proposed a new approach to fuel subsidy. His plan focuses on targeted support for domestic refining rather than returning to the previous import-based system.
The former vice president said the proposed model would be capped, budgeted and independently audited. He also said the system would ensure that Nigerians receive measurable benefits from government support.
However, the proposal has already triggered criticism from opponents. An All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain and petroleum marketer in Kebbi State, Aminullah Mustapha, rejected the idea.
However, APC chieftain Aminullah Mustapha criticised Atiku’s proposal, arguing that the old subsidy regime was vulnerable to corruption and abuse. He alleged that some funds meant for petroleum marketers were diverted.
He also claimed that some marketers received payments for transporting petroleum products without actually delivering them. The renewed disagreement has added another layer to the growing political debate over fuel prices and economic reforms ahead of the 2027 elections.
While the Kebbi ADC sees a transparent subsidy system as a way to reduce hardship, critics remain concerned about accountability and possible abuse.
