President Bola Tinubu has ruled out a return to fuel subsidy, describing the policy as a thing of the past while defending his administration’s economic reforms ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Tinubu made this clarification on Saturday at the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign flag-off in Kaduna, where he sought support for his re-election bid and promised economic recovery, prosperity and improved living conditions.
“What is past is past. Fuel subsidy is in our past. No more corruption, no more falsification of invoices, no more lies and no more smuggling,” the President said.
He accused previous governments of creating the hunger and poverty Nigerians currently face, adding that his administration was working to address the challenges.
“I hear my opponents talking about hunger. Who created it? They did. They created hunger and poverty. We are trying to eradicate them,” he said.
Tinubu expressed confidence that his administration’s policies would deliver economic growth and create opportunities for Nigerians.
The President also commended APC governors for their developmental efforts, citing their performance as evidence of the ruling party’s commitment to progress.
He thanked Kaduna residents for supporting him during the 2023 presidential election and urged them to renew their support in 2027, saying a second term would allow him to consolidate his administration’s policies and development agenda.
“I must thank you for your participation in the past elections. You gave me joy, and I will always remember the victory you gave me to become President.
“I have come again to thank you and seek your mandate for a second term to fulfil our promise of prosperity, continuity, progress and development,” he said.
Tinubu also appealed to young Nigerians to support his re-election bid, promising greater opportunities under a second term.
He urged eligible voters to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards and participate in the elections, calling on APC supporters to vote for the party’s candidates at all levels of government.
The President further warned voters against what he described as misleading promises by opposition politicians, urging them to scrutinise political claims before making their choices.
The removal of petrol subsidy and its impact on the cost of living remain major issues ahead of the 2027 elections, as Nigerians continue to contend with rising living costs and economic pressures.
