2027: NDC North-West vice chairman dumps Obi, backs Atiku over fuel subsidy promise

The National Vice Chairman, North-West, of the Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC, Muhammadu Rabiu Bakinzuwo, has declared his support for the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Atiku Abubakar, over restoration of petroleum subsidy.

Mr Bakinzuwo said his decision to support the former vice president was largely based on Mr Abubakar’s promise to restore fuel subsidy if elected president in the 2027 presidential election.

Speaking in an interview with Hantsi TV, Mr Bakinzuwo said the promise had earned Mr Abubakar his support, urging Nigerians to give him the benefit of the doubt, even if they believed the pledge was politically motivated.

He also criticised Mr Obi for supporting the removal of fuel subsidy, arguing that the position demonstrated a lack of concern for the plight of ordinary Nigerians.

“Except you are among the wicked and heartless people, you must commend Atiku. If the hypocrites refuse to acknowledge what he is doing, I will do so.

“Continue doing what you believe in, and God will reward you accordingly. Because even if you are telling lies, they are sweet lies.

“We have a Bola Tinubu who is suffocating and destroying us through the removal of fuel subsidy and the imposition of taxes, increased electricity tariffs, higher call rates and gas prices. Even the air we breathe, if he had a way, he would increase the price.

“Yet, some people are planning to make things even worse, while others are campaigning for him. Then you have somebody saying, ‘If you elect me, I will restore the fuel subsidy.’

“If you truly fear God and have compassion for the masses, then you must support him, even if you believe he may be lying.

“Even if he is lying, you can support him and pray to God to touch his heart and ensure that the promise becomes a reality, because he has shown signs of concern and sincerity towards the suffering of Nigerians.

“May Allah help those who have pity for them and punish the wicked leaders among us,” he said.

Mr Bakinzuwo added, “I thank Allah for Atiku Abubakar. Even if he is lying, I believe in the lie because it gives hope to the suffering masses.”

On Mr Obi’s position on the removal of fuel subsidy, Mr Bakinzuwo described it as the former Anambra State governor’s personal policy position, saying Nigerians should judge both politicians based on their respective policy choices.

“It is now time for Nigerians to judge. He has justified the removal of the subsidy and perhaps might even increase it, while this other person has said he will not do so.

“So, what kind of human being are you to ignore this lofty promise and choose the ugly alternative? You are choosing a heartless leader over a seemingly sincere one.

“Since Obi has justified the removal of the subsidy and appears willing to retain the policy, thereby continuing to impoverish Nigerians, I am not with him at all,” he said.

When reminded that Mr Obi is the presidential candidate of his party, Mr Bakinzuwo said party affiliation should not supersede the national interest.
Hide quoted text

“It is a political party, not the Qur’an. If today I decide to leave the party, then what? Or if Obi decides to leave the party, what happens?

“I am not talking about Peter Obi as an individual. I am talking about someone who will work and fix the mess in the country.

“Even today, if there is someone who is better than Atiku, I will leave Atiku and align myself with that person,” he added.