Arise Television’s Political News Editor, Sumner Sambo, has challenged the African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, to explain how he intends to restore fuel subsidy if elected in 2027.
Sambo said Nigerians need to understand the economic implications of Atiku’s position, particularly how the proposed subsidy regime would be funded and managed.
His comments followed Atiku’s recent position on fuel subsidy, which has become a major issue in the political debate ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Sambo argued that simply promising a return to subsidy was not enough, stressing the need for political candidates to provide details on how such a policy would work in practice.
He said the public should know whether a new subsidy arrangement would be financed through government revenue, borrowing or other mechanisms, as well as how the government would prevent the system from being abused.
The debate comes amid continued concerns over petrol prices and the economic pressure facing Nigerians following the removal of the fuel subsidy by the Federal Government.
Atiku has made economic reforms and the welfare of Nigerians central to his political agenda, while the Tinubu administration has maintained that the removal of subsidy was necessary to reduce the financial burden on government.
Sambo’s call therefore adds to the growing debate over whether Nigeria should retain the current market-driven approach to petrol pricing or introduce a new form of government intervention.
He urged Atiku and other presidential contenders to provide Nigerians with clear policy details ahead of the 2027 election rather than relying solely on political promises.
