President Bola Tinubu has ruled out a return to fuel subsidy, insisting that the policy belongs to Nigeria’s past while promising better economic conditions ahead.

Speaking at the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign flag-off in Kaduna on Saturday, Tinubu defended his administration’s economic reforms, saying they would deliver growth, prosperity and opportunities for Nigerians.

His remarks come amid opposition criticism over the hardship associated with petrol subsidy removal, rising living costs and growing economic pressures ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“What is past is past. Fuel subsidy is in our past. No more corruption, no more falsification of invoices, no more lies and no more smuggling,” Tinubu declared.

The President said his administration was working to tackle hunger and poverty, which he blamed on the policies and actions of previous governments.

“I hear my opponents talking about hunger. Who created it? They did. They created hunger and poverty. We are trying to eradicate them,” he said.

Tinubu expressed confidence that his government’s policies would produce economic recovery and improve living conditions, urging Nigerians not to be swayed by opposition criticism.

“We have prosperity, consistency, growth, recovery and opportunity. I assure you of that,” he said.

He also cited regular salary payments by governments and the developmental efforts of APC governors as evidence of progress under the ruling party.

“Our governors are working, and I am proud of them. They are developing their states,” he said.

The President, who was in Kaduna to seek support for his re-election bid, recalled the backing he received from the state during the 2023 presidential election, thanking residents for their contribution to his victory.

He urged them to renew their support in 2027, saying a second term would enable him to consolidate his administration’s policies and development agenda.

“I must thank you for your participation in the past elections. You gave me joy, and I will always remember the victory you gave me to become President.

“I have come again to thank you and seek your mandate for a second term to fulfil our promise of prosperity, continuity, progress and development,” he said.

Tinubu also appealed to young Nigerians to support his re-election bid, promising that they would benefit from opportunities his administration intended to create.

“To you, the children of our country, we promise prosperity in our second term. You will not regret going to the polls,” he said.

He subsequently asked supporters whether they had obtained their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), urging them to participate in the elections.

The President called on APC supporters to vote for the party’s candidates at all levels, including governorship, Senate, House of Representatives and state Houses of Assembly elections.

“Come January 2027, on January 16, you must go out en masse to elect me again. APC all the way!” he declared.

He further urged voters to scrutinise political promises and resist what he described as attempts by opposition politicians to mislead them.

“Your prosperity is here. Your good fortune is in your hands. Your fingerprints will reflect this. Be careful. Watch them. Do not let them lie to you,” he said.

Tinubu commended APC governors and party leaders for their support, praising what he described as development across states governed by the party. He also thanked the party’s youth supporters and reiterated his promise to deliver a better future for Nigerians.

The President’s renewed defence of subsidy removal places the policy among the key issues in the run-up to the 2027 elections. His administration maintains that its economic reforms will ultimately deliver growth and prosperity, while opposition figures have continued to criticise the hardship Nigerians have faced since the removal of the subsidy.

The debate is likely to remain central to the campaign as voters assess the effects of the reforms on household incomes, transport costs and the broader cost of living.