President Bola Tinubu has ruled out a return to fuel subsidies, insisting that his administration’s economic reforms will eventually deliver prosperity and better living conditions for Nigerians.
Speaking on Saturday at the All Progressives Congress presidential campaign flag-off rally in Kaduna, Tinubu defended the policy amid opposition criticism over the rising cost of living and economic hardship.
“What is past is past. Fuel subsidy is in our past. No more corruption, no more falsification of invoices, no more lies and no more smuggling,” he said.
The President acknowledged concerns about hunger and poverty but blamed previous administrations and political opponents for the challenges, insisting that his government was working to address them.
“I hear my opponents talking about hunger. Who created it? They did. They created hunger and poverty. We are trying to eradicate them,” he said.
Tinubu expressed confidence that his policies would lead to economic recovery, growth and increased opportunities, urging Nigerians to remain hopeful despite the difficulties associated with the reforms.
“We are ushering in a new era under the President. I promise you once again a better tomorrow,” he said.
He also defended his administration’s record on salary payments and praised APC governors for their performance, saying their development efforts demonstrated progress under the ruling party.
“Our governors are working, and I am proud of them. They are developing their states,” he said.
The President listed prosperity, growth, recovery and opportunity among the outcomes he expected from his administration’s policies.
Tinubu, who was in Kaduna to launch his re-election campaign ahead of the 2027 general elections, thanked residents for supporting him in the 2023 presidential election and appealed for another mandate.
He said a second term would enable him to consolidate his administration’s agenda on prosperity, continuity, progress and development.
The President also appealed to young Nigerians to support his re-election, promising that they would benefit from opportunities his government intended to create.
He urged eligible voters to obtain and use their Permanent Voter Cards, calling on APC supporters to vote for the party’s candidates in presidential, governorship and legislative elections.
“Your prosperity is here. Your good fortune is in your hands. Your fingerprints will reflect this. Be careful. Watch them. Do not let them lie to you,” Tinubu told the crowd.
His defence of subsidy removal places the policy among the key issues likely to shape political debate ahead of the 2027 elections, as the administration seeks to convince Nigerians that its economic reforms will produce lasting benefits despite the immediate pressures on households and businesses.
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