Bolaji Abdullahi: Nigerians Are Too Poor To Be Left Unsubsidised

02 August, 2026 | News

ADC Defends Atiku’s Fuel Subsidy Proposal, Says Nigerians Are Too Poor to Pay Full Petrol Costs

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has defended its presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar’s proposal to reintroduce fuel subsidy, arguing that Nigerians are too financially burdened to bear the full cost of petrol.

ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the policy is designed to reduce the cost of living and cushion the impact of economic hardship. He rejected claims that the proposal would cost ₦19 trillion, describing the figure as an attempt by the APC-led government to discredit the plan.

Abdullahi argued that corruption in the former subsidy regime should have been addressed rather than eliminating the subsidy altogether. He said the ADC’s proposed model would focus on supporting local refineries and reducing production costs to make petrol more affordable.

He also maintained that subsidy remains a non-negotiable part of the ADC’s economic agenda ahead of the 2027 election. While expressing support for opposition cooperation, Abdullahi said the ADC could defeat President Bola Tinubu independently but would welcome alliances with parties that share its position on reducing the cost of living.

He further argued that Nigerians’ economic realities have changed significantly since the 2023 election and that the priority should be policies capable of improving living conditions and making essential goods more affordable.