Former Nigerian Vice President Atiku Abubakar has promised to restore petroleum and electricity subsidies if elected president in the 2027 general elections, reigniting the national debate over the country's economic reforms and the rising cost of living.
Atiku made the announcement on Saturday, November 14, 2026, while addressing supporters of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) at a presidential campaign rally in Bauchi State.
The former vice president said his proposed administration would prioritise reducing the financial burden on Nigerians by making essential energy services more affordable.
He also promised to strengthen national security, expand petroleum production and continue major infrastructure projects, including the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project.
His announcement comes amid growing public concerns about petrol prices, electricity costs, transportation expenses and the increasing pressure on households and businesses across Nigeria.
The promise is also expected to become an important issue in the political debate ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Atiku Makes Fresh Promise to Restore Petroleum Subsidy
Speaking at the ADC campaign rally in Bauchi, Atiku declared that he would restore petroleum subsidies if Nigerians gave him the opportunity to become president.
He also extended the promise to electricity, arguing that affordable energy was necessary to improve living conditions and support economic development.
Atiku said:
"I promise all Nigerians that I will restore the petroleum subsidy. Not only that, I will also restore the subsidy for electricity power."
He further promised to improve security across the country, particularly in the North-East, and continue petroleum exploration and development activities in the Kolmani oil field in Bauchi State.
The former vice president's announcement represents a continuation of his criticism of the economic policies introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration.
He has repeatedly argued that the removal of petroleum subsidies has increased the financial difficulties facing ordinary Nigerians without delivering sufficient improvements in their living conditions.
Why Atiku Wants Fuel Subsidies Restored
Petroleum subsidy removal remains one of the most controversial economic decisions in Nigeria's recent history.
President Bola Tinubu announced the removal of the petrol subsidy during his inauguration on May 29, 2023.
The decision was presented as part of broader economic reforms intended to reduce government expenditure, eliminate an unsustainable subsidy arrangement and redirect public resources towards infrastructure and other development priorities.
However, the announcement was followed by a sharp increase in petrol prices, transportation costs and the prices of many goods and services.
Atiku has argued that Nigerians have not received sufficient benefits from the removal of the subsidy.
He has questioned how the savings generated by the policy have been managed and whether they have translated into better healthcare, education, infrastructure and economic opportunities.
His proposed approach has also evolved towards supporting domestic petroleum production rather than simply recreating the former system of subsidising imported fuel.
The former vice president has previously discussed a production-based arrangement under which support would be directed towards qualifying domestic refineries, with transparency and accountability requirements.
His latest comments in Bauchi, however, reaffirm his commitment to restoring petroleum subsidy as part of his proposed economic programme.
Atiku Also Promises to Restore Electricity Subsidies
Beyond petroleum products, Atiku's announcement included a promise to restore electricity subsidies.
Electricity affordability remains a major concern for Nigerian households and businesses.
Many Nigerians have experienced increased electricity expenses as tariff adjustments and other changes in the power sector continue to affect consumers.
Small businesses, manufacturers, traders and service providers depend heavily on electricity to operate.
When electricity becomes more expensive, businesses may increase the prices of their products and services to cover operating costs.
Atiku believes that restoring electricity subsidies would help reduce the financial pressure on consumers and improve access to affordable power.
However, the details of how his proposed electricity subsidy would operate, how much it would cost and how it would be funded will be important questions for voters and economic analysts.
A successful electricity intervention would need to balance affordability for consumers with the financial sustainability of electricity generation, transmission and distribution companies.
Tinubu's Government Introduced Subsidy Removal as an Economic Reform
President Tinubu's decision to remove the petrol subsidy in May 2023 marked a major change in Nigeria's economic policy.
Before the removal, the Federal Government spent substantial resources maintaining relatively low petrol prices through subsidy arrangements.
The government argued that the system placed considerable pressure on public finances and created opportunities for corruption and inefficiency.
By removing the subsidy, the administration hoped to reduce government expenditure and redirect resources towards national development.
However, the immediate consequences included higher fuel prices and increased transportation and production costs.
The government has continued to defend its economic reforms, arguing that they are necessary for long-term financial stability.
The debate between supporters and critics of subsidy removal has therefore become an important part of Nigeria's political conversation.
Atiku Promises to Strengthen Security Across Nigeria
Atiku's Bauchi announcement was not limited to economic policies.
He also promised to strengthen security across Nigeria, particularly in the North-East, where communities have faced prolonged security challenges.
Insecurity remains one of the country's most serious development problems, affecting agriculture, education, trade, investment and the movement of people.
The former vice president argued that restoring security would be a priority under his proposed administration.
He also promised to continue petroleum development activities in the Kolmani oil field, located in the North-East.
The project has attracted attention because of its potential contribution to Nigeria's petroleum industry and the economic development of the surrounding communities.
Atiku's commitment reflects his broader argument that Nigeria needs policies capable of strengthening local production, improving employment opportunities and expanding economic activities beyond major commercial centres.
Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project Features in Atiku's Promise
Another major project mentioned by Atiku during the rally was the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project.
The proposed project in Taraba State has long been considered an important part of Nigeria's ambition to expand electricity generation.
If successfully completed, it could contribute significantly to the country's electricity supply and support economic activities.
Atiku promised that his administration would continue the project if elected.
The development of major electricity infrastructure is particularly important for Nigeria, where unreliable power supply has remained a challenge for households, businesses and industries.
However, completing such a major project would require substantial financing, effective planning, transparent procurement and strong institutional coordination.
What Atiku's Promise Means for Nigerians
Atiku's announcement is likely to attract considerable attention because fuel and electricity costs affect almost every part of the Nigerian economy.
For households, lower energy expenses could provide some relief from the rising cost of living.
For businesses, affordable electricity and petroleum products could help reduce operating expenses and improve productivity.
The proposed policies could also influence transportation costs, food prices and the overall cost of manufacturing and distributing goods.
However, the actual benefits would depend on how the policies are designed and implemented.
Nigerians will need clear explanations of the proposed subsidy arrangements, including their funding sources, eligibility requirements and accountability mechanisms.
Economic promises must be supported by practical plans that can be sustained without creating additional financial problems for the country.
Political Reactions and the 2027 Election Debate
Atiku's promise has further intensified discussions about the economic direction Nigeria should follow.
Supporters of subsidy restoration argue that government intervention could provide relief to citizens facing high energy costs.
Critics, however, question whether restoring subsidies would place additional pressure on government finances and whether the policy could be sustained over time.
The Presidency has previously criticised Atiku's subsidy proposal, describing a return to the old system as economically unsustainable.
The debate is therefore likely to remain a major issue as political parties prepare for the 2027 general elections.
Nigerians will have an opportunity to compare the economic programmes of different presidential candidates and evaluate which proposals offer realistic solutions to the country's challenges.
Conclusion
Atiku Abubakar's promise to restore petroleum and electricity subsidies has introduced another major issue into Nigeria's growing 2027 election debate.
Speaking at the ADC campaign rally in Bauchi, the former vice president pledged to reduce energy costs, strengthen national security, develop petroleum resources in Kolmani and continue the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project if elected president.
His announcement comes at a time when millions of Nigerians continue to face economic difficulties associated with high transportation, electricity and living expenses.
While subsidy restoration could offer relief to households and businesses, the success of the proposal would depend on its funding, transparency and long-term sustainability.
As the 2027 presidential election approaches, Nigerians will be looking for more than campaign promises. They will want detailed economic plans that can improve living standards, create employment and strengthen the country's economy.
Ultimately, the question facing Nigerian voters is whether restoring energy subsidies will provide sustainable economic relief or introduce another major financial challenge for the country.
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