‘We Cannot Go Back to Egypt’: Tinubu Digs In on Petrol Subsidy as 2027 Rival Promises Mount

BY TAIBAT UMMI YAKUBU

President Bola Tinubu has made it clear that Nigerians should not expect a return to petrol subsidies under his leadership, using the biblical story of Moses and the Israelites’ escape from Egypt to defend the controversial policy ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Speaking on Monday at an event organised by the City Boy Movement, a pro-Tinubu group led by his son, Seyi Tinubu, the president compared Nigeria’s economic journey since the removal of petrol subsidies to the Israelites’ difficult journey towards freedom.

Tinubu argued that reversing the policy would amount to turning back at a critical moment, insisting that his administration had no choice but to take the decision when he assumed office in May 2023.

“I came and I removed subsidy the first day. I knew Nigeria would go bankrupt. There was nothing left to pay subsidy,” he said, adding that he could not understand why political opponents were promising to restore it.

Drawing from his religious studies, the president recalled how Moses, also known as Musa in Islam, led the Israelites out of Egypt and faced the Red Sea before a path opened for them to cross.

“You cannot ask Moses to go back to Egypt,” Tinubu declared, using the account to reinforce his position that Nigeria must continue on its current economic path rather than reverse the subsidy removal.

But with petrol prices and the wider cost of living remaining major concerns for Nigerians, the president’s position sets up a potentially significant debate ahead of the 2027 election, as opposition candidates increasingly present cheaper fuel and economic relief as campaign promises.

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Tinubu, however, is urging young Nigerians to respond politically by obtaining their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and voting for him in the next presidential election. He challenged his supporters to explain his administration’s achievements to other young people while also communicating what his government plans to do if re-elected.

“We will campaign with our ideas, original thoughts and deep thinking to move this country forward,” he said, adding that Nigeria would not return to its previous position with their support.

The president’s comments come as several opposition figures have openly questioned the policy and suggested that a change of government could bring a different approach to petrol pricing.

Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), said last week that the party would do whatever was necessary to reduce petrol prices, including potentially restoring the subsidy if it wins the 2027 election.

His position followed a similar promise by the NDC presidential candidate, Peter Obi, who said his administration would restore the subsidy after addressing corruption. Donald Duke, the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) presidential candidate, has also promised to bring petrol prices down to about ₦300 per litre if elected.

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, has likewise backed a return to petrol subsidies, alleging in August that the savings generated by their removal had been stolen.

Tinubu announced the end of petrol subsidies during his inauguration on May 29, 2023, triggering a major shift in Nigeria’s fuel pricing system. His administration has defended the decision as necessary to ease pressure on public finances, while critics have continued to point to the hardship associated with higher fuel costs.

With the 2027 contest approaching, petrol subsidy policy is emerging as one of the issues likely to shape the campaign. Tinubu has made his position clear: whatever the difficulties, his government will not turn back. His political opponents, meanwhile, are betting that a promise of cheaper petrol could prove persuasive to voters struggling with the cost of living.