Governors should account for subsidy removal gains and not Tinubu – Governor Dapo Abiodun

Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has said state governors, rather than President Bola Tinubu, should explain how funds arising from the removal of petrol subsidy are being spent.

Abiodun spoke during an All Progressives Congress, APC, rally at the Dipo Dina International Stadium in Ijebu-Ode. The governor said state governments were better positioned to account for the funds because subsidy removal had increased allocations to states, which he said had enabled them to finance infrastructure and other projects.

“They said they want to return the subsidy. Are they mad? They were asking our leader to explain what he did with subsidy removal gains,” Abiodun said in Yoruba. “It is we (governors) that should make such explanations because it is we, state governors, that collect the money. Besides, what have we been using to build roads, schools, provide good housing and incentives for farmers? Isn’t it from subsidy?”

Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, has criticised the Tinubu administration over its handling of the savings and pledged to restore the petrol subsidy if elected president. Atiku has alleged that the Tinubu administration failed to properly account for the money saved following the subsidy removal.

Tinubu rejected Atiku’s proposal, describing it as evidence of “serious ignorance of governance and economy.” The president argued that some states struggled to meet salary and pension obligations before he assumed office.

On August 19, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Taiwo Oyedele said the removal of petrol subsidy mobilised N15.8 trillion for the federation between June 2023 and December 2025.