Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has warned President Bola Tinubu against phasing out electricity subsidies, urging the Tinubu-led administration to let suffocating Nigerians breathe.

Mr Abubakar, at a press conference held at his Asokoro residence in Abuja on Friday, warned Nigerians against re-electing Mr Tinubu in 2027.

“Nigerians are now being told that electricity subsidy will be phased out in 2027. Blame yourself if you elect him again. Electricity is already expensive. Small businesses are struggling to keep the light on,” Mr Abubakar said.

Warning against the ripple effect of Mr Tinubu’s electricity subsidy removal, Mr Abubakar said, “The barber needs electricity for his clippers. The tailor needs it for her machines. The frozen-food seller needs it to preserve her stock. The welder needs it for his equipment. The manufacturer needs it to keep the factory alive.”

Mr Abubakar said, “I ask for only one thing: Let Nigerians breathe. The lesson of petrol must not be repeated with electricity. Do not remove first and think later. Do not impose the pain first and search for palliatives afterwards.”

The 2027 presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) said he is ready to help Mr Tinubu with a framework for easing the economic hardships Nigerians are suffering under his watch, adding that the welfare of Nigerians should be the priority, not politics.

“If you need the framework, I will provide it. Implement it under your government. Give it whatever name you choose. Take the credit. I am prepared to compete with you politically. But I will never compete with the welfare of the Nigerian people,” Mr Abubakar said. “The presidency may be contested. The well-being of Nigerians should never be.”