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Vice-President Kashim Shettima has criticised former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar over his proposal to restore petrol subsidy, accusing him of prioritising political gains over Nigeria’s economic stability.
Shettima argued that bringing back the subsidy regime would reverse the government’s efforts to reform the economy and could push the country deeper into poverty.
Speaking at the Nigerian Economic Summit in Abuja on Monday, the Vice-President said a leading presidential contender was advocating a return to the policy for political convenience.
“One of the leading presidential candidates is advocating for the return of the subsidy scheme. He wants us to backslide into penury for political convenience,” he said.
Shettima also questioned Atiku’s qualifications to manage Nigeria’s economy, citing his training at the Kano School of Hygiene.
“I dare to put forward that his skill set he was trained in sanitation at the Kano School of Hygiene so he doesn’t have the skill set to govern a modern economy. That’s the painful truth,” the Vice-President said.
He further questioned Atiku’s understanding of environmental sanitation, invoking the distinction between influenza and Ebola to challenge his competence.
“Even his decisions in environmental sanitation, I do not think he can make a distinction between flu and even Ebola,” Shettima added.
The Vice-President urged Nigerians to scrutinise the policies and qualifications of political leaders before deciding whom to support, warning them against ignoring the consequences of their choices.
“Nigerians must have to decide and those of you here cannot afford to play the ostrich,” he said.
Atiku has advocated the restoration of petrol subsidy as part of his proposed approach to managing the economy. The issue remains a major point of disagreement between the opposition and President Bola Tinubu’s administration, which removed the subsidy in May 2023.
The Federal Government has defended the removal as necessary to ease pressure on public finances and redirect resources towards other priorities. However, the policy has also contributed to higher petrol prices and increased living costs, intensifying public debate over how best to cushion Nigerians from economic hardship.
Shettima’s latest remarks have brought the subsidy debate back into focus, highlighting the competing economic arguments likely to feature prominently in discussions ahead of the 2027 general election.
