2027: Bwala Takes Fresh Swipe at Atiku Over Fuel Subsidy Promise

Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, has suggested that the 2027 presidential election could be the last opportunity for former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar to contest for the presidency.

Bwala made the remark while reacting to Atiku’s promise to restore the petrol subsidy if elected president in 2027.

President Tinubu announced the removal of the petrol subsidy during his inauguration in May 2023, a decision that has remained a major subject of debate over its impact on the cost of living.

Atiku, who is now the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has said he would restore a targeted petrol subsidy if Nigerians give him the mandate in 2027.

Reacting to the position, Bwala argued that Atiku’s promise was influenced by his belief that the 2027 election could be his final opportunity to seek the presidency.

In a post on X, the presidential aide said the former vice-president had chosen what he described as a populist approach, believing that there was little to lose following the removal of the subsidy.

“Since 2027 is likely to be his last chance to seek the office of the president, he decided to gamble on the populist rhetoric of ‘I will bring back the fuel subsidy.’ He presumed that, after all, there is nothing to lose,” Bwala wrote.

He, however, questioned whether Atiku could successfully use the promise as a campaign strategy, arguing that popularity among voters would also be important.

“The only problem is that, to run a populist campaign, you must first ensure that you are popular with the people,” he added.

Atiku has remained active in the race for the presidency despite having contested the position several times, with the former vice-president insisting that he remains qualified and willing to serve the country.