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Former Director-General of the Atiku Youth Wing and current Director-General of The Bridge for Renewed Hope, Odih Rowland, has expressed doubts about former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s promise to restore fuel subsidy if elected president in 2027, describing the pledge as unrealistic.
Rowland made the remarks during weekend, arguing that Nigerians should carefully examine Atiku’s political record and previous engagements before accepting his campaign promises.
Several members of The Bridge for Renewed Hope, a partner group of the City Boy Movement, also supported Rowland’s position, describing Atiku’s fuel subsidy pledge as unconvincing and questioning its feasibility.
According to Rowland, Nigerians must look beyond what he described as “Atiku’s desperate campaign promises” and assess the credibility of the former vice president based on his record and previous experience in government.
He maintained that President Bola Tinubu had demonstrated a commitment to pursuing policies aimed at transforming the Nigerian economy, urging citizens to consider the administration’s policies and actions when assessing competing political promises.
“Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s promise to restore fuel subsidy may sound attractive to Nigerians in the light of their cost of living, but the critical question is whether Nigerians can trust him to deliver on that promise or any good promise at all.
“We must not allow political promises made during an election season to replace the gains of President Tinubu, who has shown serious leadership, credibility and performance,” Rowland said.
The statement comes amid renewed political discussions surrounding fuel prices, the cost of living and the future of government intervention in the petroleum sector ahead of the 2027 general election.
Rowland also commended President Tinubu following the announcement of a fuel discount for Nigerians, describing the move as an indication that the president was concerned about the welfare of citizens amid prevailing economic challenges.
He argued that his previous experience working with Atiku informed his reservations about the former vice president’s promise, insisting that Nigerians should critically evaluate the proposals presented by political leaders rather than rely solely on campaign assurances.
Rowland said the fuel subsidy debate should be considered alongside broader questions about economic management, the sustainability of government policies and their impact on ordinary Nigerians.
He called on Nigerians to support Tinubu’s administration and re-elect him in the 2027 presidential election, arguing that a second term would enable the president to continue implementing his economic and development agenda.
Rowland urged citizens and members of the group to remain committed to the administration’s programmes, expressing confidence that its policies would deliver further benefits to the country.
However, the debate over fuel subsidy remains a significant issue in Nigeria’s political landscape, with voters likely to scrutinise candidates’ proposals on fuel prices, household expenses and economic relief as the 2027 election approaches.
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