2027: We Are Competing With Thieves – Says Atiku

The African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has described the 2027 presidential election as a contest against “thieves”, accusing those in power of having stolen the election, the economy and virtually everything from Nigerians.

Atiku made the remarks on Tuesday night in a video shared on his X account while addressing supporters, saying:

“We are competing with thieves. They stole the election. Now they have stolen the economy. They have stolen everything”.

The former Vice-President also reiterated his commitment to restoring fuel subsidy if elected president in 2027.

His clarification followed comments reportedly made by his spokesperson, Paul Ibe, suggesting that an Atiku administration could initially restore the subsidy before eventually removing it.

Addressing the issues, Atiku said he had received calls from Nigerians seeking clarification over the alleged contradiction in his position on subsidy.

“I want to repeat categorically that what I said I will return subsidy, I will. Nigeria is rich enough to look after the welfare of its citizens”, he stated.

Atiku stressed that Ibe was not speaking on his authority, arguing that the removal of fuel subsidy had pushed more Nigerians into poverty. He added that protecting citizens’ welfare and security the country would be among the key responsibilities of his administration if elected.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has previously criticised Atiku’s proposal, describing it as evidence of “serious ignorance on governance and economy”.

Atiku, however, maintained that his position was driven by the need to cushion Nigerians from the economic hardship he believes has worsened since the removal of the fuel subsidy.

Atiku latest position comes amid an increasingly heated debate among 2027 presidential contenders over removal of fuel subsidy and the economy policies of the Bola Tinubu administration.

President Tinubu has previously criticised Atiku’s subsidy proposal, describing it as evidence of lack of understanding of governance and the economy.

-9News Nigeria.