Atiku: I Will Restore Targeted Fuel Subsidy If Elected President

The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has reiterated his commitment to restoring a targeted fuel subsidy if elected president in the 2027 general elections.

Atiku said his position on subsidy had not changed, arguing that Nigeria, despite its economic challenges, has enough resources to protect citizens from excessive hardship.

“On the question of subsidy, my position has not changed and will not change: I will restore it,” Atiku said.

According to him, the strength of an economy should not be measured solely by how much revenue government generates, but by the purchasing power of ordinary citizens.

He said his administration would prioritise restoring value to workers’ wages, reducing the burden of transportation on farmers and making essential goods more affordable for Nigerian families.

“I want wages to have value again. I want farmers to move produce without transport swallowing their profits. I want families to fill their baskets without emptying their pockets. I want businesses to produce, employ and prosper,” he said.

Atiku argued that rising fuel prices have a ripple effect across the economy, particularly through transportation and food prices.

“When fuel rises, transport rises. When transport rises, food rises. When food rises, families suffer,” he said.

The former vice president said he would seek to break what he described as a cycle of rising costs that has placed Nigerians under increasing economic pressure during the nearly four years of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Atiku, however, stressed that his proposed subsidy policy would be targeted and would not amount to a return to what he described as an import racket.

“I will support Nigerian production, reduce energy costs and restore purchasing power. I will not restore the import racket; I will restore relief,” he said.

He reiterated the position on Tuesday while receiving members of the Osun State leadership of the ADC in Abuja.

Atiku said his economic agenda would focus on making the naira in Nigerians’ pockets more valuable, reducing the cost of living and improving economic and physical security.

“Economic security. Physical security. A better life for every Nigerian,” he said.

His latest position comes as the 2027 presidential race continues to gather momentum, with opposition parties and candidates presenting different approaches to the country’s economic challenges and the removal of fuel subsidy.

Sowore, Atiku Mourn Taiwo Hassan ‘Ogogo’ as Tributes Pour In

African Action Congress presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar have joined the growing tributes to veteran Nollywood actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, following his death after a battle with cancer.

Sowore, in a condolence message, expressed sympathy to Ogogo’s family, friends, colleagues and the wider Nollywood community, describing the actor as an extraordinary performer whose distinctive voice and commanding presence made him instantly recognisable on screen.

He noted that Hassan had spent more than four decades contributing to Yoruba cinema and Nigeria’s wider film industry.

“My profound condolences to the family, friends, colleagues, and the entire Nollywood community in Nigeria over the untimely passing of veteran actor Taiwo Hassan popularly known as Ogogo, who died today following a battle with cancer,” Sowore said.

According to him, Ogogo’s unique acting style and remarkable performances earned him a lasting place in Nigeria’s film history.

Sowore concluded his tribute by praying for the late actor to “rest in power” and adding, “May the force continue to be with him!”

Atiku also described the actor’s death as deeply saddening, particularly coming only days after Nigerians became aware of his battle with cancer.

“The news of the passing of celebrated Nollywood actor, Alhaji Taiwo Hassan, is deeply saddening,” Atiku said.

The former vice president said Ogogo was more than a talented actor, noting that he used his career to entertain, educate and inspire audiences across generations.

He said the actor brought laughter into countless homes and told stories that reflected Nigerian society while using his talent to promote social change.

Atiku said Hassan’s death had created a painful void in Nigeria’s creative industry and among the millions of people who admired his work.

He extended his condolences to the actor’s family, colleagues and admirers in Nigeria and around the world.

Atiku also prayed for Allah to forgive Hassan’s shortcomings, comfort his loved ones and grant him eternal rest in Al-Jannah Firdaus.

The tributes come as Nigerians continue to mourn the 66-year-old actor, whose death followed an emotional appeal by his daughters for urgent medical assistance after the family learnt of the severity of his condition.

Ogogo was one of the prominent faces of Yoruba-language cinema, with a career spanning more than four decades as an actor, producer and filmmaker.

“85 Candles Will Never Be Adequate” - Atiku Celebrates Babangida at 85

 

Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has celebrated former military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (retd.), on his 85th birthday.

Atiku described Babangida as one of Nigeria’s most senior citizens, a patriot and statesman whose contributions to the country’s history remain significant.

In a birthday message, Atiku expressed appreciation to the former military leader for what he described as his sacrifice and love for Nigeria.

He also credited Babangida with playing important roles in keeping Nigeria united, promoting infrastructural and socio-economic development, and overseeing the relocation of Nigeria’s capital from Lagos to Abuja.

“At 85, I would want to thank you for your immense and impactful contributions to the history and heritage of our dear country,” Atiku said.

The ADC presidential candidate also praised Babangida’s mentoring abilities and administrative experience, describing his influence on successive generations of Nigerian leaders as a lasting legacy.

Atiku further highlighted Babangida’s approach to managing anger and disagreements, recalling a principle attributed to the former military president:

“Do not fight your seniors, because elders are not to be insulted; do not trade insults with juniors, because they don’t have the experience that you have; and don’t fight your mates, because there will always be places to meet.”

According to Atiku, the principle remains relevant as a lesson in leadership, maturity and human relationships.

He also described Babangida’s public interactions and persuasive engagement with Nigerians during his time in office as an example of effective communication and leadership.

The former vice president said Babangida’s role in Nigeria’s socio-economic and political development demonstrated what he described as vision, bravery and patriotic courage.

As Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections, Atiku urged the former military president to continue praying for the unity and prosperity of the country, particularly amid the challenges facing the nation.

He concluded by praying for Babangida’s continued longevity, good health and blessings.

“More grace, steady pace and a continuous service to humanity, Your Excellency,” Atiku said.

He then extended his birthday greetings to the former military president, describing him as the “People’s witty General and a worthy statesman.”

Atiku Asks Court to Disqualify Tinubu From 2027 Presidential Election Over NYSC Certificate

Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has approached the Federal High Court in Abuja seeking the disqualification of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu from contesting the 2027 presidential election.

Atiku personally appeared at the Federal High Court on Friday, August 14, where he deposed to an affidavit in support of the case challenging Tinubu’s eligibility to contest the next presidential election. The suit also lists the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as defendants. 

The case centres on an alleged discrepancy involving an NYSC discharge certificate said to have been submitted by Tinubu to INEC in connection with the 2023 and 2027 presidential elections.

According to Atiku and the ADC, the disputed certificate bears the name “Tinubu Bola Adekunle”, which they contend differs from the President’s name, “Bola Ahmed Tinubu.” 

The plaintiffs are asking the court to determine whether the alleged submission of the disputed certificate constitutes a ground for Tinubu’s disqualification from the 2027 presidential election.

Atiku’s legal action comes as the opposition continues to challenge Tinubu’s eligibility and credentials ahead of the 2027 presidential contest.

The suit also reportedly seeks access to documents relating to Tinubu’s electoral filings, including his Form CF001 submitted to INEC for the relevant elections. 

The former vice president has maintained that the matter should be determined through evidence and the judicial process rather than political arguments.

The legal challenge adds a fresh dimension to the contest between Atiku and Tinubu, who faced each other in the 2023 presidential election. Atiku is now seeking the presidency again under the ADC platform ahead of the 2027 election.

Beyond the certificate controversy, Atiku’s legal team is also challenging aspects of the Electoral Act 2026, arguing that ordinary legislation cannot override constitutional provisions concerning eligibility to contest the presidency. 

The case is expected to generate significant political and legal attention as Nigeria moves closer to the 2027 general elections.

However, the allegations contained in the suit remain claims before the court and have not been established as facts. Any decision on Tinubu’s eligibility will ultimately depend on the court’s determination after hearing the parties and examining the evidence presented.