The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s promise to restore fuel subsidy if elected president in 2027.
Sanusi described the removal of fuel subsidy as a difficult decision that many past presidents were unwilling to take because of concerns about the political consequences, particularly the possibility of losing re-election.
According to the Emir, successive administrations avoided taking the decision because they were more concerned about its impact on their political fortunes.
Commenting on Atiku’s position on subsidy, Sanusi said:
“Any politician that promises an easy path to a better Nigeria is either lying, or he doesn’t know the job he is coming to.”
The former Central Bank of Nigeria governor argued that subsidy removal was a decision that several presidents had avoided because they feared the policy could make them unpopular and jeopardise their chances of securing a second term.
His comments come amid renewed debate over the future of fuel subsidy in Nigeria, with political figures offering different positions on whether the policy should be restored or permanently scrapped ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The debate has continued to attract public attention as Nigerians grapple with the economic impact of fuel prices and the broader reforms introduced following the removal of the subsidy.
Emir Sanusi Lamido Sanusi made his own comment regarding Atiku’s statement on returning the subsidy.
Subsidy removal is a decision that many presidents failed to take because they were afraid of losing the election in their second term.
“Atiku is either lying, or he doesn’t… pic.twitter.com/KKDejimX3w
— Samuel Samuel ii (@samuelbatu62254) August 30, 2026
