By By Elizabeth Ugbo
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar says Nigerians want petrol subsidy relief as fuel and transport costs remain a major concern. Atiku, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, made the statement on Tuesday. He cited the latest SBM Intelligence Voter Sentiment Tracker to support his position. The survey covered 1,103 eligible voters across 12 states and the Federal Capital Territory. It also covered respondents across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
Atiku spoke through Phrank Shaibu, his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication. He said the findings showed widespread concern over petrol prices and their economic impact.
Atiku Criticises Tinubu’s Petrol Policy
Atiku said President Bola Tinubu removed the petrol subsidy without adequate measures to protect Nigerians.
“President Tinubu removed subsidy with a slogan, not a strategy,” he said.
He argued that the government lacked a credible plan for domestic refining and mass transportation.
According to Atiku, the policy also failed to protect wages and small businesses from rising energy costs.
He said higher petrol prices have affected purchasing power, transportation costs and food prices.
Atiku Proposes Production Subsidy
Atiku reiterated his proposal for a transparent production subsidy for locally refined petroleum products.
He said the programme would begin if he wins the 2027 presidential election.
“If elected, from May 29, 2027, I will introduce a transparent production subsidy,” Atiku said.
He added that the subsidy would apply only to petroleum products refined in Nigeria.
Imported petroleum products would not qualify under the proposed programme.
Atiku said the scheme would have a fixed spending limit and require National Assembly approval.
He also proposed independent audits to promote transparency and accountability.
According to him, the policy would reduce petrol prices and strengthen domestic refining.
He added that it would create jobs and help restore Nigerians’ purchasing power.
SBM Survey Shows Strong Concern Over Petrol
The SBM Intelligence survey identified petrol as a major concern among respondents.
According to the report, petrol ranked as the second-most cited national problem at 18.2 per cent. It also received the lowest administration performance rating among the issues tested, scoring 1.69 out of four.
The survey also found that 67.4 per cent of respondents rejected the government’s current petrol pricing approach.
Meanwhile, 19.2 per cent supported the policy.
Atiku said the figures reflected the difficulties facing families, workers, farmers and businesses.
He linked those difficulties to higher transportation costs, food prices and energy expenses.
Rural Areas Show Higher Petrol Concerns
Atiku also highlighted differences between rural and urban respondents.
According to the survey, 32.4 per cent of rural respondents identified petrol as their primary concern.
The figure stood at 11.7 per cent among urban respondents.
Petrol also ranked as the leading concern in the South-West.
It accounted for 30.5 per cent of responses in the region.
The South-South recorded 29.1 per cent, according to the survey.
However, regional priorities varied across the country.
Insecurity remained the leading concern in the South-East and North-Central regions.
Debt ranked as the leading concern in the North-East.
Atiku Calls for Government Response
Atiku said Nigerians have faced rising transport costs and declining purchasing power since subsidy removal.
“This survey is not merely about percentages,” he said.
He described the findings as evidence of pressure on families, workers, farmers and businesses.
Atiku urged the Federal Government to reconsider its approach to petrol pricing.
He also called for measures that would reduce the impact of fuel costs on Nigerians.
SBM Issues Survey Caution
SBM Intelligence cautioned that its findings represent a snapshot of stated sentiment.
The survey covered 1,103 eligible voters through face-to-face interviews.
It did not adjust the findings for historical voter turnout or population projections.
It also did not adjust for INEC voter-registration figures.
Therefore, the findings describe the surveyed respondents’ views rather than a projection of the entire 2027 electorate.
Atiku, however, said the figures demonstrate widespread concern over petrol prices.
The debate over fuel pricing is expected to remain a major issue ahead of the 2027 elections.
