By Seun Ibiyemi
President Bola Tinubu has described the promise by the African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, to restore petrol subsidy if elected in 2027 as a demonstration of “serious ignorance” of governance and the economy.
Tinubu made the remark on Thursday while receiving Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, following Adeleke’s re-election in last Saturday’s governorship election.
“I saw one of my opponents now say he will go back to subsidy. I read it. That is a demonstration of a serious ignorance on governance and economy,” the President said.
Tinubu defended his administration’s decision to remove the petrol subsidy, recalling the financial difficulties faced by several states before the reform.
According to him, 27 states were unable to pay workers’ salaries and pensions before the subsidy was removed, leaving state governments dependent on federal allocations.
“Before I came here, 27 states are unable to pay salaries, not to even talk of pensioners, salary of workers,” Tinubu said.
He argued that increased revenues available to states and local governments following the subsidy removal had enabled them to meet basic obligations and invest in infrastructure and social services.
The President said the impact of the reform could be seen in the payment of workers’ salaries and investments in roads, housing, schools, hospitals and healthcare.
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“Salary you pay for each family, they were at the local governments, they are in the states,” he said.
Tinubu also urged Adeleke to use his re-election to promote reconciliation, unity and good governance rather than triumphalism.
He advised the governor to promote democracy, stability and the rule of law while avoiding the victimisation or stigmatisation of political opponents.
“Promote democracy. Promote stability. Promote rule of law. Don’t stigmatise any of your opponents,” Tinubu said.
The President said Adeleke’s re-election presented him with an opportunity to build a broader legacy by strengthening unity and peace in Osun State.
“You are in a very, very unique position to make history, promote unity, peace and stability,” he said.
Tinubu congratulated Adeleke and his political team for their mobilisation during the election, while reminding the governor that electoral victory should be seen as a mandate to serve rather than an opportunity to claim political conquest.
“You did not conquer anybody. You won the election. That is the essence of democracy,” he said.
