Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has responded to President Bola Tinubu’s recent comments, arguing that Nigerians experienced hardship rather than benefit from the removal of the fuel subsidy. The exchange was reported by TheCable on Friday, August 21, 2026.
Atiku’s remarks come amid an ongoing public dispute between the two political figures over the subsidy policy, which was scrapped in 2023. According to TheCable, Atiku directly countered Tinubu’s position, asserting that the policy change delivered “pain” to citizens instead of relief.
The disagreement has drawn reactions from multiple quarters. TheCable also reported that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) criticized Atiku’s stance, describing his shift on the subsidy issue as “desperation of most pitiful kind.” Meanwhile, Premium Times Nigeria noted that Atiku’s spokesperson has explained why the former vice president changed his position on the matter.
The debate has also gained attention ahead of the 2027 general elections. THISDAYLIVE reported that Atiku’s subsidy proposal has sparked discussions, with some viewing it as a pro-poor policy move. BBC News has also covered the back-and-forth between Tinubu and Atiku regarding fuel subsidy support.
Atiku’s latest comments signal that the subsidy issue remains a central point of contention in Nigerian politics. The policy, initially introduced to reduce government spending, has continued to generate debate over its impact on ordinary citizens.
As the political discourse intensifies, observers will be watching whether this exchange shapes the broader campaign narrative leading into the next election cycle.
