CHUKA UBAH
The Igbonine Great People’s Assembly Worldwide, IGPA, has rejected a proposal by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to reinstate petroleum subsidy if elected in 2027.
In a statement issued on Wednesday in Enugu, the group said past subsidy regimes failed to reach ordinary Nigerians and instead benefited a few individuals with access to government contracts and import licenses.
“We are the mothers in the market in Aba. We are the okada riders in Enugu. We are the students in Nsukka. We are Igbo people at home and in the diaspora. And we have seen this movie before,” the statement said.
IGPA said subsidy was sold to Nigerians as a poverty alleviation tool, but in practice it drove up inflation while public services collapsed. “While they were smiling to the bank, our people were trekking. Food prices went up. Transport went up. Hospitals had no drugs. Schools had no chairs,” the group stated.
“Subsidy did not reach Mama Nkechi selling tomatoes. It did not reach the young man trying to start a business in Onitsha. It did not build a single hospital or fix one road. So why do we want to go back?”
The group argued that trillions of Naira spent on subsidy over the years did not translate into better power supply, cheaper food, or jobs for young people. Instead, it created a small group of middlemen who became wealthy while the majority continued to struggle.
IGPA urged the Federal Government to redirect savings from subsidy removal to sectors that directly affect livelihoods. First, hospitals. The group wants guaranteed supply of drugs and adequate staffing so patients can get care at night without paying out of pocket. It said primary healthcare centers in rural communities must be equipped and functional.
Second, schools. It called for classrooms, books, and timely payment of teachers to reduce out-of-school children. The group also asked for scholarships and vocational training to help youths acquire skills.
Third, roads. It said rural and urban roads must be fixed so farmers can move food to market without losses and commuters can cut transport costs. Good roads, it added, will also reduce accidents and vehicle maintenance costs.
Fourth, direct support. The group asked for soft loans for traders, grants for artisans, and inputs for farmers to help small businesses grow and create jobs at the community level. “That is how you help the poor. Not by feeding a system that only makes rich people richer,” IGPA said.
The group said it is not aligned to any political party but will hold all candidates accountable to clear plans. “Whoever wants our votes in 2027, tell us plainly: ‘This is how I will use subsidy money for the masses.’ No grammar. No stories. Show us the plan,” the group said.
“Nigeria deserves better. Ndigbo deserves better. We are tired of policies that sound good on paper but hurt us in real life.”
The statement was signed by Dr. Ugochukwu Nnajiofor, National President of Igbonine Great People’s Assembly Worldwide. IGPA describes itself as a global body promoting Igbo culture, identity and development with the motto: Preserve. Promote. Prosper.