By : Ike Philip Abiagom
ABUJA – The Grassroots Newspaper Publishers Network has criticised former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, over his reported advocacy for the return of fuel subsidy, describing the position as inconsistent with his earlier stance on the controversial policy.
The Publishers argued that Atiku had supported the removal of fuel subsidy before and during the 2023 presidential election campaign, when he described the subsidy regime as fraudulent and advocated redirecting the funds to critical sectors of the economy.
The Grassroots Newspaper Publishers further noted that the removal of fuel subsidy enjoyed support from major presidential candidates during the 2023 election, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, who all acknowledged the need to address the economic challenges associated with the subsidy regime.
According to the publishers, any attempt by opposition politicians to now advocate a return to fuel subsidy could be interpreted as a reversal of positions previously canvassed before the electorate.
They maintained that the removal of subsidy has increased revenues available to the federal, state and local governments, giving many sub-national governments greater capacity to meet salary obligations, execute infrastructure projects and provide essential services.
The group acknowledged that subsidy removal initially brought significant economic hardship to Nigerians but argued that the reform has strengthened government revenues and improved the financial capacity of states. It further contended that the increased allocations accruing to states from the Federation Account have enabled many state governments to meet their salary obligations more effectively, compared with periods under previous administrations when several states reportedly struggled to pay workers’ salaries and pensions.
The publishers also accused opposition parties of relying heavily on criticism of the Tinubu administration without offering Nigerians what they described as convincing alternative economic policies ahead of the 2027 general elections.
They said Nigerians deserve campaigns based on concrete plans for economic growth, employment generation, security, infrastructure and improved living standards rather than what they described as politically motivated promises.
While acknowledging concerns over the hardship associated with subsidy removal, the publishers said the Federal Government should continue to strengthen palliatives and social protection programmes to cushion the impact on vulnerable Nigerians.
The group declared that Nigerians are now more politically conscious and would carefully scrutinise promises made by politicians ahead of the 2027 elections.
It urged opposition politicians to present practical alternatives rather than simply seeking to reverse existing economic reforms.
The Publishers further appealed to Nigerians to support policies they believe are delivering measurable improvements, arguing that President Tinubu deserves constructive support where his administration’s programmes are producing positive results.
They stressed that political opposition remains important to democracy but should be based on constructive criticism, accountability and credible alternatives capable of improving the lives of Nigerians.
As political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, the publishers said issues surrounding fuel subsidy, economic reforms, revenue allocation, job creation and the welfare of citizens would remain central to Nigeria’s political debate.