We are competing with thieves, they stole the election, now they have stolen the economy, they have stolen everything – Atiku

Former Vice President and 2027 presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has accused those in power of allegedly taking control of Nigeria’s political and economic affairs at the expense of citizens.

Atiku made the remark in a video shared on his X account while addressing some of his supporters at his residence.

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

The former Vice President also used the occasion to reaffirm his position on fuel subsidy, insisting that he would restore the intervention if elected president in 2027.

Atiku said his position had become necessary following concerns over comments attributed to his media aide, Paul Ibe, suggesting that an Atiku administration would restore fuel subsidy and subsequently remove it.

He clarified that Ibe’s comments did not represent an authorised statement of his policy.

According to Atiku, the removal of petrol subsidy under the administration of President Bola Tinubu has worsened economic hardship and pushed more Nigerians into poverty.

“So many Nigerians have been calling me to say that one of my aides had contradicted me in my policy statement as far as subsidy is concerned,” he said.

“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.”

The ADC presidential candidate argued that the welfare of citizens should remain a fundamental responsibility of government, stressing that Nigeria possesses sufficient resources to support its people.

“Let it be clearly stated that he was not speaking on my own authority because the removal of subsidy has driven more Nigerians into poverty than at any other time,” Atiku added.

He also listed security as another major priority, promising to take steps to improve the safety of Nigerians if elected.

“And the fundamental responsibility of the government is the welfare. Two, I will make sure we secure this country,” he said.

Atiku’s latest comments come amid an intensifying political debate over the future of petrol subsidy ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

The former Vice President has maintained that his proposed intervention would be targeted and designed to reduce the cost of living, while critics of subsidy restoration have argued that the policy places a heavy burden on public finances.

The disagreement over subsidy has become one of the major economic issues expected to shape the 2027 presidential contest, with opposition figures sharply divided over the policy adopted by the Tinubu administration.

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