APC PCC Wants Atiku to Explain His Fuel Subsidy Plan

The All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council has asked Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, to explain his plan for a fuel subsidy.

Dele Alake, the spokesperson for the Council, made this request in a statement on Sunday in Abuja. This came after Atiku recently called for targeted support for locally made petroleum products.

The Council said Atiku's proposal raises questions on how government support for local refiners would lead to lower pump prices under the current rules in the petroleum sector. They want him to clarify if refiners getting the proposed subsidy would have to sell petrol at set prices and what the legal basis for that would be.

“If the answer is yes, he should point out the legal framework for the government to enforce that price condition and explain how it will fit with the Petroleum Industry Act. If the answer is no, he should explain how public support for refiners will ensure lower prices at filling stations.”

The Council also urged Atiku to reveal the estimated cost of his proposal, the yearly spending limit, where the funding will come from, the amount covered, and how to prevent issues like smuggling and fraudulent claims.

They said any plan involving cheaper crude for local refineries could hurt the country’s revenue. Hence, it should be properly costed to be transparent.

The APC-PCC asked if changes to the Petroleum Industry Act would be needed to carry out this proposed plan. They noted that just budgeting might not clear up regulatory issues.

They reminded everyone that Atiku's current stance should match his earlier calls for deregulation and the removal of petrol subsidy. They recalled that in 2022, Atiku called the petrol subsidy system fraudulent and promised to remove it, but later said, “I will restore it!”

The Council wants Atiku to explain how his new plan is different from the old subsidy system and how it would avoid the problems that came with subsidy payments.

“Abubakar’s position is being framed by his campaign as a targeted intervention for local production and not a return to the old import-subsidy system.”

The APC-PCC pointed out that the Tinubu administration is focusing on expanding compressed natural gas (CNG) and electric mass transit as cheaper options. They mentioned that there have already been reductions on some routes.

They reported that over 120,000 vehicles have been changed to CNG, and the federal government is working with states and transport groups to improve conversion capabilities and support systems.

In a statement on Saturday, Mr Tinubu said, “From October 1, more Nigerians should start seeing measurable reductions in transportation costs,” while encouraging states to make sure energy savings lead to lower fares.

The Council said every action in the downstream sector must be “lawful, transparent, properly costed, and capable of giving measurable benefits to consumers.”

They urged Atiku to provide Nigerians with a clear policy document and an independent legal and financial analysis of his proposal, stating that voters deserve to understand its effects before the 2027 election.