By Peace Erewunmi

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has criticised former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar over his recent position on fuel subsidy, describing him as a “voodoo economist.”

Wike accused Atiku of contradicting his earlier position on fuel subsidy by now advocating a policy that, according to the minister, the former vice-president had previously described as fraudulent.

The FCT minister made the remarks while reacting to the ongoing political debate over the removal of fuel subsidy and the economic reforms introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Wike said Atiku was confused over the issue and questioned the rationale behind his current position on subsidy.

“Voodoo economist going back to what he called a fraud,” Wike said, referring to Atiku’s position on fuel subsidy.

The disagreement comes after Atiku recently spoke about fuel subsidy as part of his economic agenda ahead of the 2027 presidential election. His position has continued to attract criticism from supporters of the Tinubu administration, who argue that the former vice-president’s current position contradicts his earlier statements on the policy.

The Tinubu administration removed the petrol subsidy in 2023, arguing that the policy was financially unsustainable and had placed a significant burden on government finances.

The policy has, however, remained one of the most controversial aspects of Tinubu’s economic reforms, with opposition politicians and many Nigerians questioning its impact on the cost of living.

Wike has consistently defended the Tinubu administration’s reforms, arguing that difficult economic decisions are necessary to reposition the Nigerian economy.

The latest exchange between Wike and Atiku comes as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with opposition figures increasingly challenging the policies of the Tinubu administration.

Atiku is expected to remain one of the major opposition figures in the 2027 race, while Wike remains a prominent political figure within the Tinubu administration.

The dispute over fuel subsidy is likely to remain a major campaign issue ahead of the 2027 election, particularly as Nigerians continue to debate whether the economic gains claimed by the Federal Government have outweighed the hardship caused by the reforms.