Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, has criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over his promise to restore fuel subsidy if elected president in 2027.

Sani described the pledge as impracticable and questioned the former vice president’s change of position on fuel subsidy.

Speaking with journalists at the weekend, Sani said Atiku had previously supported subsidy removal and other economic policies linked to the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF).

“What he is saying is outright deception of Nigerians,” Sani said.

He argued that returning to fuel subsidy could put further pressure on government finances, especially as Nigeria continues to spend a large share of its revenue on debt servicing.

Sani also said the former subsidy regime created opportunities for fraud and fuel smuggling, with subsidised petroleum products allegedly moved across Nigeria’s borders for sale in neighbouring countries.

According to him, subsidy removal has increased funds available to state and local governments for projects such as roads, schools and hospitals.

Rather than promising to restore subsidy, Sani urged political leaders to focus on rehabilitating Nigeria’s refineries and increasing domestic fuel production.

“If any politician makes pledges to revamp our refineries, so that we can refine our own crude oil, then he is making sense,” he said.

Sani also rejected the argument that restoring fuel subsidy would automatically reduce the cost of living.

“And let us not deceive ourselves. The return of subsidy will not bring down the prices of commodities. It will simply distort the economic stability of our country,” he said.

He called on politicians preparing for the 2027 general election to avoid ethnic and religious rhetoric.

He urged political parties and candidates to campaign on policies, programmes and issues affecting Nigerians.

Sani further criticised opposition politicians for seeking the intervention or validation of foreign governments and organisations in Nigeria’s political affairs.

He specifically questioned attempts to involve United States President Donald Trump and the European Union in Nigeria’s domestic political contest.

According to him, opposition parties should focus on convincing Nigerian voters rather than seeking foreign intervention against President Bola Tinubu or his political ambitions.

Sani said Nigeria’s political parties should protect the country’s sovereignty and strengthen its democratic institutions through issue-based campaigns.