The Social Democratic Party, SDP, presidential candidate, Adewole Adebayo, has explained why he is supporting the return of fuel subsidy.
The debate over fuel subsidy has taken centre stage ahead of the 2027 presidential election amid the hike in petrol pump price.
While the President Bola Tinubu-led All Progressives Congress, APC, government has insisted on the removal of fuel subsidy, some opposition candidates have called for a return of the policy.
Adebayo, speaking through his campaign team, the Movement Adebayo for President, MAP, highlighted his position on petroleum and energy policy, saying he supports a "carefully considered return of fuel subsidy" because he believes it "could help reduce energy costs and support small and medium-scale enterprises".
According to the campaign team, Adebayo’s economic agenda includes investment in agriculture, affordable energy, domestic refining and energy logistics, industrial development and improved electricity distribution.
"Adebayo believes reliable electricity was essential to expanding manufacturing, creating jobs, strengthening businesses and developing modern infrastructure," it added.
The campaign team, which further highlighted reasons why Nigerians should support Adebayo, said he is among the candidates who have presented a comprehensive policy document outlining proposed solutions to the country’s challenges.
The candidate had released a 117-page manifesto containing policy proposals, implementation timelines and strategies for national development, it said.
On youth development, MAP said Adebayo understood the challenges confronting young Nigerians and was committed to addressing them through education, skills acquisition and empowerment programmes.
It noted that his campaign slogan, 'Farewell to Poverty and Insecurity', is a reflection of his stated priorities for the country.
On national security, MAP said Adebayo had proposed retraining, equipping and improving the remuneration of security personnel, arguing that Nigeria must adequately support those responsible for protecting the country.
The campaign team further noted that Adebayo's experience working with the United Nations and the African Union on peacebuilding efforts, and his role in Liberia’s Peace and Reconciliation Commission, would enhance Nigeria's diplomatic profile.
"His experience could help Nigeria strengthen international partnerships, attract investment and build confidence among global business partners," the campaign team added while noting that he was committed to transparency, accountability and effective citizen participation in government.
Stressing that responsible leadership and public involvement in decision-making were essential to addressing Nigeria’s divisions along regional and religious lines, MAP urged Nigerians to consider alternatives to the present administration and the established political class.
It maintained that Nigeria needs a leadership focused on poverty reduction, security and national development to overcome present challenges.