Residents of Jigawa State have expressed strong support for presidential candidate Alhaji Atiku Abubakar of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) over his pledge to reintroduce fuel subsidies, citing the policy's impact on everyday Nigerians. The issue has sparked widespread discussion in local communities, markets, and online platforms, following Atiku’s announcement during his first media engagement after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) lifted the ban on 2027 presidential campaigns on August 19. During the session, Atiku stated, “I will restore fuel subsidy because the current removal has failed the masses. You cannot punish the poor in the name of reform. Subsidy is for the people, not for the elite.” His remarks resonated with many locals who argue that the removal of the subsidy has exacerbated economic hardship. President Bola Tinubu responded swiftly, criticizing Atiku’s proposal as a demonstration of ignorance regarding governance and economics. He claimed that the subsidy removal was a necessary step toward fiscal responsibility and warned against reverting to outdated policies. His comments have fueled frustration among ordinary citizens, who feel the government has ignored their struggles. In Jigawa, residents interviewed by The Punch correspondent emphasized that the removal of the subsidy has made basic necessities unaffordable, leading to a sharp decline in quality of life. Transport, food, and overall living costs have surged beyond the means of many families. Malam Musa, a 52-year-old commercial driver in Dutse, lamented the financial strain caused by the increase in fuel prices. He noted that before the subsidy removal, drivers could manage their expenses, but now, the cost of fuel alone has skyrocketed from N195 to over N1,300. “How can we survive?” he asked, expressing the sentiment shared by many struggling workers. Similarly, Harira Danladi, a food vendor in Dutse Central Market, reported that her business has suffered due to reduced consumer spending. Customers, unable to afford essentials, have left her with little income. “They told us subsidy removal would bring development, but we only see suffering,” she said, vowing full support for Atiku’s plan to restore the subsidy. Youth leader Usman Shehu in Takur Quarters echoed these sentiments, highlighting the critical role of fuel in the Nigerian economy. “When you touch fuel, you touch everything,” he said, emphasizing that Atiku’s promise to bring back the subsidy signals a leadership that understands the plight of the working class. Another resident, Malam Ibrahim Maibargo, a civil servant, criticized Tinubu’s administration for its perceived disconnect from the populace. He argued that the president’s insistence on maintaining the subsidy removal policy reflects an anti-people approach, leaving the majority of Nigerians to bear the brunt of economic mismanagement. The debate has extended beyond local conversations, drawing attention from national stakeholders. The ADC’s Jigawa chapter has officially endorsed Atiku’s plan, issuing a statement from its deputy chairman, Ambassador Nuraddeen Jidawa. The party attributed the current economic crisis to the federal government’s decision to remove the subsidy in 2023, linking it to rising costs of transportation, food, and other essentials. Jidawa praised Atiku as a leader committed to addressing the nation’s challenges, noting that his proposed subsidy framework would prioritize domestic fuel production and accountability. He urged voters to support ADC candidates in the upcoming 2027 elections, framing the movement as a collective effort to rescue the country from economic hardship. Meanwhile, the controversy has intensified the divide between Atiku and Tinubu. The president’s spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, dismissed Atiku’s reversal on the subsidy as politically motivated, arguing that the policy shift undermines fiscal sustainability. However, Atiku’s media adviser, Paul Ibe, defended the former vice president’s position, asserting that leaders must be willing to reassess policies when they cause undue hardship. Ibe pointed to World Bank data showing that the subsidy removal led to a 163% increase in retail gasoline prices, exacerbating inflation and disproportionately affecting low-income households. He stressed that the real test of leadership lies in whether policies genuinely improve the lives of ordinary citizens rather than adhering rigidly to past positions.
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