Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has stated that 67.4% of respondents in a recent SBM Intelligence survey want the Federal Government to restore petrol subsidy. According to Atiku, this finding reflects Nigerians' demand for immediate relief from rising fuel and transportation costs. The survey, part of SBM Intelligence's Nigeria 2027 Voter Sentiment Tracker, showed widespread dissatisfaction with President Bola Tinubu's fuel policy.
The SBM Intelligence survey found that petrol was identified as the second-most cited national problem, while the government's performance on the issue received a rating of 1.69 out of four. A total of 67.4% of respondents supported restoring petrol subsidy, compared with 19.2% who opposed the position. Atiku described the 67.4% figure as evidence of growing public demand for relief from economic hardship associated with high fuel and transportation costs.
Atiku said the survey results were not just about economic policy but had become a democratic question. He stated that responsible leadership must listen when an overwhelming majority of Nigerians declare that a government policy is destroying their lives. The former vice president also noted that petrol was a greater concern among rural respondents, with 32.4% identifying it as their primary concern, compared with 11.7% in urban areas.
Regional figures showed that petrol was a major concern in the South-West, at 30.5%, and South-South, at 29.1%. Atiku said these figures reflected the economic pressure facing households, workers, farmers, and businesses. He argued that the removal of petrol subsidy had contributed to higher transportation and food costs and weakened purchasing power.
Atiku criticised President Tinubu's administration for removing the subsidy without a credible plan for domestic refining, mass transportation, wage protection, or support for small businesses that depend on affordable energy. He also criticised the administration's economic policies, saying Nigerians could not rely on macroeconomic indicators while household expenses continued to rise.
Atiku restated his proposal for a production subsidy tied to petroleum products refined locally. If elected in 2027, his administration would introduce a transparent production subsidy for petroleum products refined in Nigeria and sold to Nigerians. Imported products would not qualify for the scheme, which would have a fixed spending limit, National Assembly approval, and independent audits.
The proposed policy aims to reduce fuel prices, support domestic refining, create jobs, and improve purchasing power. Atiku said the 67.4% demanding relief represents a democratic majority and that his proposed approach would replace what he described as Tinubu's policy of "punishment" with one focused on production, protection, and affordability.
Key points
- Atiku Abubakar cites SBM survey showing 67.4% of Nigerians want petrol subsidy restored
- Survey reflects widespread dissatisfaction with President Bola Tinubu's fuel policy
- Atiku proposes a production subsidy tied to locally refined petroleum products if elected in 2027
