‘Atiku is confused’ — Wike reacts to fuel subsidy promise

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has criticised African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar over his recent comments about possibly restoring fuel subsidy if elected president in 2027.

Atiku, a former Vice President, had said in a recent interview that he would consider bringing back the subsidy regime which was removed by President Bola Tinubu.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Thursday, Wike described Atiku as inconsistent, arguing that his current position differed from what he promised during the 2022 presidential campaign.

Wike recalled that Atiku had previously supported the removal of fuel subsidy but was now considering its reinstatement.

“Atiku is confused. He said in 2022 that he was going to remove the subsidy, now in 2026 he wants to restore fuel subsidy. Are you going back to the fraud?” Wike asked.

The FCT minister said political leaders should maintain consistency in their positions and be truthful with Nigerians.

“We need to be consistent in what we say to our people. That is what leadership is.

“Leadership is not you coming out in the morning to say a thing and come back in the afternoon to say a different thing,” he said.