GOMEP-NG Challenges Atiku Over Fuel Subsidy U-Turn, Urges Nigerians to Endure Tinubu’s Reforms

As millions of Nigerians continue to feel the pressure of higher living costs, GOMEP-NG has reignited the debate over fuel subsidy, challenging Atiku Abubakar to explain what the Guild described as a change in his position while urging citizens to endure President Tinubu’s reforms.

GOMEP-NG has challenged Atiku Abubakar over his alleged changing positions on fuel subsidy and NNPC reforms. The Guild said Atiku had previously supported subsidy removal and petroleum-sector reforms but is now calling for the return of subsidy. GOMEP-NG urged Nigerians to endure the current reforms while asking the Federal Government to ensure that the sacrifices produce better living conditions.

ABUJA — The Guild of Online Media Editors and Publishers of Nigeria (GOMEP-NG) has challenged former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to explain what it described as his changing positions on fuel subsidy and reforms in the petroleum sector.

The Guild said the issue deserves public attention because fuel subsidy policies directly affect household incomes, businesses, government spending and the wider Nigerian economy.

Speaking on the development, GOMEP-NG National President, Comrade Akpovoke Otiti, urged Nigerians to carefully examine the policy positions of political leaders, especially when such positions have a direct impact on their economic well-being.

Otiti recalled that Atiku had, at different times, expressed positions in favour of major changes to Nigeria’s subsidy regime and the former Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

According to him, Atiku was associated with criticism of the subsidy regime during the 2015 election period. In 2019, he was also said to have advocated the removal of fuel subsidy and the sale of the NNPC.

Otiti further noted that Atiku’s 2023 policy position favoured the immediate removal of fuel subsidy and reform of the NNPC as part of measures to tackle corruption in the petroleum sector.

However, the GOMEP-NG president questioned what he described as a shift in Atiku’s position in 2026, following renewed calls for the return of fuel subsidy.

«“Every election cycle, Nigerians hear different policy promises. The issue is not about personalities; it is about consistency and what is in the long-term interest of Nigeria,” Otiti said.»

He urged Nigerians to endure the economic reforms being implemented by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, arguing that the removal of fuel subsidy has gradually become a new reality for the country.

«“Let Nigerians endure the harsh reforms of Mr President, Alhaji Bola Ahmed Tinubu. We are already getting used to the reality of fuel subsidy removal.»

«“What Nigerians need now is for government to ensure that the sacrifices being made translate into tangible improvements in their lives.”»

GOMEP-NG: Nigerians Must Look Beyond Political Rhetoric

The Guild urged Nigerians to look beyond political rhetoric and examine the long-term economic implications of restoring fuel subsidy.

Otiti acknowledged that subsidy removal has imposed significant pressure on households and businesses. However, he warned that reversing the policy without addressing the structural problems in Nigeria’s petroleum sector could place additional pressure on public finances.

He said the focus should now be on making the benefits of the reforms more visible to ordinary Nigerians.

The GOMEP-NG president therefore called on the Federal Government to strengthen measures designed to cushion the impact of the reforms on vulnerable citizens.

According to him, economic reforms should not be judged only by their immediate fiscal gains. They must also improve living standards, protect vulnerable households and create conditions for sustainable economic growth.

Otiti said GOMEP-NG would continue to promote public debate on major national policies while holding political leaders accountable for their statements, promises and policy positions.