Why has Nigeria's fuel subsidy become a central issue in the upcoming presidential election?

The fuel subsidy has become a central election battleground because President Bola Tinubu scrapped it on his first day in office three years ago, triggering sustained economic pain—including repeated gasoline price hikes (e.g., a third increase by Dangote Refinery in eight days) and nearly a decade of double-digit inflation—making its reversal highly appealing to voters; his main challenger, Atiku Abubakar, has pledged to restore it with an 'innovative' plan to lower fuel, transport, and food costs, while Tinubu’s government faces criticism over how subsidy savings are being managed and whether promised alternatives (like gas-powered buses) are effective.

What are the key differences between the major candidates’ positions on the fuel subsidy?

Incumbent President Bola Tinubu abolished the subsidy in 2023 and is backed by the IMF and World Bank for this reform, which—alongside foreign exchange liberalization—helped stabilize the naira, lift the stock market, and secure credit rating upgrades; Atiku Abubakar (ADC) pledges to reinstate the subsidy through an 'innovative' plan aimed at cheaper fuel, lower transport and food costs, and increased purchasing power, though details remain vague; Peter Obi (NDC) supports the subsidy’s removal but criticizes how the savings are being managed, and like other opposition figures, advocates pairing subsidy removal with expanded social protection for vulnerable groups.

Nigeria's Fuel Subsidy Returns as Key Election Battleground

Sep 1, 2026

Ahead of Nigeria's presidential election, fuel subsidies have become a central political issue following recent gasoline price hikes by the Dangote Refinery. Candidates propose varying policies on subsidies while elevated crude oil prices continue to impact inflation and investor confidence.

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