Oshiomhole recounted that Atiku, during his vice presidency, discussed the necessity of removing petroleum subsidies, emphasizing the waste associated with them. This interview occurred on TVC, where Oshiomhole expressed skepticism towards Atiku’s consistency on the subsidy issue.

He specifically pointed out Atiku’s earlier commitment in 2023 to privatize the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), questioning the rationale behind his current pledge to restore fuel subsidies. Oshiomhole remarked, “Atiku is on record, just in 2023, as saying that he will privatise NNPC,” and highlighted the contradiction between advocating for privatization while simultaneously attempting to control pricing policies of privately owned commodities.

Atiku has argued that reinstating fuel subsidies would alleviate living costs and enhance affordability of petroleum products. Nonetheless, Oshiomhole contends that this recent promise creates a dilemma given Atiku’s former stance on subsidy removal, indicating a potential inconsistency in his political platform and plans for Nigeria’s economic future.