Vice President Kashim Shettima has sharply criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s proposed shift in economic policy, specifically his plan for a production-based fuel subsidy. Speaking on Wednesday at the inauguration of the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council in Abuja, Shettima asserted that a mere “change of ideological wardrobe cannot balance a national budget.”
Shettima Questions Atiku’s Ideological Stance
Shettima described the current political season as a “masterclass in cinematic comedy,” taking aim at Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress. He noted that Atiku, who has historically embraced capitalism, now appears to sound like “the legitimate offspring of Vladimir Lenin,” a shift Shettima found astonishing given the former VP’s political trajectory.
The Vice President scrutinised Atiku’s production subsidy proposal, highlighting critical questions that he believes remain unanswered by such an “ideological costume change.” Shettima pointedly asked: “Who pays? Who benefits? And which competing priorities must surrender their funding?” He reiterated his core argument that such a policy shift would not resolve national budgetary challenges.
Atiku’s Defence of Production Subsidy
In response, Atiku Abubakar has consistently maintained his commitment to restoring a petrol subsidy if he wins the presidency in 2027. He clarified on August 25 that his position remains unchanged, advocating for a measure designed to support domestic refining and production, distinctly different from the previous import subsidy regime.
The former Vice President stated that his proposed scheme would be targeted, capped, transparently budgeted, and independently audited to ensure efficiency and accountability. Furthermore, Atiku rejected the Federal Government’s recent 30-day petrol discount at NNPC retail stations on October 9, deeming it “too limited and selective” and renewing his call for a comprehensive, production-based subsidy.
However, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, clarified that the government’s recent discount is not a subsidy but rather a sale at cost, with public transporters receiving prioritised access.
Leadership and Responsibility in Public Office
Beyond the economic debate, Vice President Shettima also touched upon the broader expectations of political leadership. He stressed that political ambition extends beyond merely desiring public office, serving instead as “a test of character, intellectual maturity and responsibility.” Shettima concluded by stating that the higher the office sought, the greater the discipline expected in a candidate’s words, conduct, and relationship with public institutions.