FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has defended the Federal Government’s removal of petrol subsidy and criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for saying he would restore the policy if elected president in 2027.
Wike spoke in Abuja on Thursday during an inspection of projects in the Federal Capital Territory. He questioned Atiku’s new position after the former vice president had backed subsidy removal.
Atiku said the government had failed to account for the money saved after ending the subsidy. He said he would restore the subsidy and recover funds allegedly misused by those responsible.
“I did not oppose the removal of the oil subsidy, but where is the money? Where did it go?” Atiku said.
“If elected, I will bring back the oil subsidy, and whoever stole the money must refund it.”
Wike then challenged Atiku to explain how he would restore the subsidy under Nigeria’s current petroleum industry structure.
“Today, under the Petroleum Industry Act, NNPC has been fully commercialised. It’s not a limited liability company. It’s no longer the sole importer or producer of fuel, unlike what it used to be,” Wike said.
Wike also referred to Atiku’s earlier position on the policy and questioned his decision to change it ahead of the 2027 election.
“Now, in 2026, he is not going to remove the fuel subsidy. Is he going back to the fraud, which he had alleged that fuel subsidy was?” Wike asked.
He also called Atiku a “voodoo economist” and accused him of changing his position for political reasons.
“Atiku, who is confused, who acts like a voodoo economist, Atiku will say anything just to be president,” Wike said.
