Nigeria: 2027 - We Are Competing With Thieves, Says Atiku

What the report says

Former Nigerian Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, described in the Daily Trust report carried by AllAfrica as a leading contender in the 2027 presidential race, used a social media video to sharpen his criticism of the country’s political and economic leadership. In remarks to supporters, he said he was “competing with thieves,” framing the contest as one against those he accused of stealing both the election and the economy.

The article says Atiku also reiterated his plan to restore fuel subsidy if elected in 2027. His statement came after comments attributed to his spokesperson, Paul Ibe, suggested a different approach. Atiku rejected any suggestion that the spokesperson had spoken for him on subsidy policy and said the removal of the subsidy had pushed more Nigerians into poverty.

He argued that government’s core duty is to protect citizens’ welfare and said he would also prioritize security if elected. President Bola Tinubu had previously criticized Atiku’s subsidy proposal as showing a lack of understanding of governance and the economy, according to the report. The exchange highlights how fuel subsidy policy remains a major political fault line in Nigeria, where recent economic reforms and rising living costs continue to shape debate ahead of the next election cycle.