Atiku has low IQ of economy, governance – Tinubu blast ex-VP for saying he’d restor fuel subsidy if he wins

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has criticised former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, over his reported promise to reverse the removal of petrol subsidy if elected president.

Tinubu described the position as a demonstration of “serious ignorance” about governance and the economy.

The President spoke on Thursday while receiving re-elected Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke at the State House in Abuja.

Tinubu argued that the removal of the subsidy had improved the finances of states and strengthened their ability to pay workers, pensioners and fund development projects.

According to him, the financial situation of several states before his administration assumed office demonstrated why the subsidy regime was unsustainable.

“I saw one of my opponents now say he will go back to subsidy. I read it. That is demonstration of a serious ignorance on governance and economy,” Tinubu said.

He recalled that 27 states were struggling to meet salary obligations before he became president.

“Before I came here, 27 states were unable to pay salaries, not to even talk of pensioners,” he said.

Tinubu announced the removal of petrol subsidy during his inauguration on May 29, 2023. His administration has repeatedly defended the policy as necessary to reduce pressure on public finances and increase resources available to the three tiers of government.

The President said the additional resources available to state governments should be translated into better living conditions through payment of salaries, infrastructure development, healthcare, education and other social services.

Tinubu Congratulates Adeleke

Turning to the Osun governorship election, Tinubu congratulated Adeleke on his victory and urged him to use his renewed mandate to unite the people of the state.

Adeleke, who contested on the platform of the Accord Party, was declared winner of the August 15 election after securing 511,067 votes.

His closest challenger, APC candidate Bola Oyebamiji, polled 444,815 votes, giving Adeleke a margin of 66,252 votes.

Adeleke won 19 of the state’s 30 local government areas, while Oyebamiji won 11.

Tinubu advised Adeleke to focus on reconciliation and inclusive governance rather than prolonged celebration of his electoral victory.

“Call for the reconciliation, expand your coast. That is the only way you can give thanks to Osun people. Not the way you sang it or celebrate it. It’s the way you act it,” he said.

The President urged the governor not to stigmatise political opponents, stressing that winning an election should not be interpreted as conquering those who contested against him.

“You did not conquer anybody. You won the election. That is the essence of democracy,” Tinubu said.

He also encouraged Adeleke to promote unity, peace, stability and the rule of law in the state.

“Don’t make a single individual a victim of your campaign. Don’t. Not for you alone, not for the sake of Osun alone, for the generations to come,” the President added.

Tinubu said the verdict of Osun voters had settled the political contest and that Adeleke should now concentrate on governing the state.

“The people of Osun States pronounce their judgment on you, that they love you, they want you to govern. So you’re going back to govern,” he said.

Adeleke Thanks Tinubu

Adeleke earlier told journalists that he visited the President to express appreciation for what he described as the Federal Government’s support for a free and fair election in Osun.

According to the governor, Tinubu’s approach to the election reflected his long-standing commitment to democratic values.

He said the outcome of the election demonstrated the importance of protecting democracy and ensuring that voters are allowed to freely determine their leaders.

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