Former Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi, has described former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s promise to restore fuel subsidy as a political strategy rather than an economic solution.

Fayemi said the proposal was designed to appeal to Nigerians struggling with the effects of subsidy removal and the rising cost of living.

Speaking on Arise News, Fayemi reiterated his support for the removal of fuel subsidy, stressing that his major concern was the manner in which the policy was implemented.

He recalled that the Nigerian Governors’ Forum had previously worked with the Federal Government and the World Bank on a safety-net programme aimed at cushioning the impact of subsidy removal on vulnerable Nigerians, but said the initiative failed to materialise.

Fayemi said the hardship being experienced by vulnerable Nigerians was what Atiku was seeking to leverage politically ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He also urged the Federal Government and the All Progressives Congress to demonstrate greater frugality, warning that perceived extravagance among public officials could deepen public cynicism towards the government’s economic reform agenda.