Onanuga demands clarity on former vice-president’s proposed subsidy intervention, including cost, funding and exit conditions.
The Presidency has criticised former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar over his conflicting positions on petrol subsidy, accusing him of repeatedly changing his policy stance ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, made the criticism in a statement on Wednesday titled, “Atiku confused on petrol subsidy; third U-turn in one week shows he is simply playing politics.”
Onanuga said Atiku’s position had been presented differently three times within one week, beginning with a statement by his spokesperson, Paul Ibe, that the former vice-president would restore petrol subsidy if elected and later phase it out.
He said another aide, Phrank Shaibu, subsequently described Ibe’s statement as an “unauthorised and misleading characterisation” of Atiku’s position, saying the proposed intervention would instead be tied to increased domestic refining, stable supply and stronger market competition.
Onanuga described the conflicting explanations as a serious policy contradiction rather than a mere disagreement over terminology.
He challenged Atiku to provide details of the proposed subsidy intervention, including its cost, beneficiaries, funding mechanism and the conditions that would determine its eventual withdrawal.
The Presidency said Nigerians deserved clarity on how the former vice-president intended to implement the policy and ensure that government support would not become an indefinite burden on public finances.