The Director of the Abuja School of Social and Political Thoughts, Sam Amadi, has said the fuel subsidy debate alone will not determine which presidential candidate is best equipped to manage Nigeria’s economy ahead of the 2027 general election.

Speaking on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Wednesday, Amadi said the subsidy issue is likely to play a more significant role in the 2027 campaign than it did during the 2023 election.

His comments come amid renewed debate over President Bola Tinubu’s removal of fuel subsidy and the promise by African Democratic Congress presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar to restore the policy if elected.

Amadi noted that while many economists argue fuel subsidies are inefficient, subsidies can also serve as legitimate fiscal tools when properly designed to support production, consumption and economic development.

He recalled that major presidential candidates in the 2023 election supported subsidy removal, although they differed on how the policy should be implemented.

According to him, the sharp rise in the cost of living has made the issue politically sensitive, prompting some politicians to reconsider their earlier positions.

Amadi argued that the way the subsidy was removed, alongside other economic measures such as currency devaluation, contributed to the hardship experienced by many Nigerians.

He said voters are more likely to judge candidates on their ability to fight corruption, manage public finances and improve citizens’ welfare than on the subsidy policy alone.

“Subsidy alone might not be the key to deciding who will better run the economy, but it could prove important in political messaging, depending on how candidates present their economic plans,” Amadi said.