Aug 21, 2026

Tinubu Slams Atiku’s Subsidy Restoration Pledge as Serious Economic Ignorance

By Afolabi Olaiya Idowu in politics

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Abuja, August 21, 2026 — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday described a pledge by one of his political opponents to restore fuel subsidy as a “demonstration of serious ignorance on governance and the economy,” linking the old subsidy regime to the financial distress of state governments.

Speaking at the Presidential Villa while receiving Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, who paid a thank-you visit after his re-election victory, Tinubu made the pointed remarks without directly naming the individual.

Multiple reports and context, however, identify the target as Atiku Abubakar, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, who had recently promised to reinstate the petrol subsidy if elected in 2027.

“I saw one of my opponents now say he will go back to subsidy. I read it. That is a demonstration of serious ignorance on governance and economy,” Tinubu said.

He recalled the situation he inherited upon assuming office in May 2023: “Before I came here, 27 states were unable to pay salaries, not to even talk of pensioners, salaries of workers. They came to the federal, cap in hand, unable to do anything.”

The President also referenced the difficult period in Osun, alluding to a former governor he once supported who became known for paying “half salary” to workers.

Tinubu argued that the removal of the subsidy has strengthened the fiscal capacity of states and local governments, enabling them to meet basic obligations such as salaries, infrastructure, school and hospital rehabilitation, healthcare improvements, and support for vulnerable citizens.

Governor Adeleke used the occasion to thank the President for what he described as ensuring a level playing field during the Osun governorship election. Tinubu, in turn, urged the governor to promote unity and avoid victimising political opponents, stressing that true democrats should celebrate free and fair elections.

The exchange has reignited the long-running national debate over the 2023 subsidy removal. Supporters of the policy point to improved federation account allocations and the reported ability of all states to now meet salary obligations.

Critics, including Atiku, maintain that the expected benefits for ordinary Nigerians in reduced poverty, better education, and security have not sufficiently materialized, and that hardship from higher fuel prices remains severe.

As the political conversation shifts toward the 2027 elections, Tinubu’s firm defence of the reform signals that the administration intends to keep subsidy removal as a cornerstone of its economic narrative, framing any reversal as a step backward in fiscal responsibility and state empowerment.