Today’s Headlines: Atiku’s Fuel Subsidy Plan Unrealistic–Presidency;3SC Fans Demand Aweroro’s Return

The Presidency has dismissed Atiku Abubakar’s proposed production subsidy on petrol as unrealistic, arguing that Nigeria lacks sufficient government-controlled crude oil to sustain the plan. Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, said although the country produces about 1.8 million barrels of crude daily, contractual obligations, production costs and royalties leave the government with fewer than 700,000 barrels available for its use. He warned that the proposal could revive the opacity and financial losses associated with the former fuel subsidy system.

Dare also defended the 30-day petrol discount offered by NNPC Retail and the proposed N1,350-per-litre ceiling on ex-gantry costs, describing them as temporary measures to cushion consumers against global price fluctuations rather than a return to subsidies. He highlighted other government initiatives, including compressed natural gas adoption, naira-for-crude arrangements, strategic energy reserves and transport support. The Presidency maintained that removing the petrol subsidy had freed public funds for distribution to states and local governments through the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC).

Supporters of Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) are calling for the return of former head coach Nurudeen Aweroro following the team’s poor start to the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League season under Salisu Yusuf. After seven matches, the Ibadan-based club has earned seven points and sits 17th on the table, with one outstanding fixture. Fans have expressed frustration and demanded changes to the technical crew.

The calls follow Aweroro’s achievements last season, when he led 3SC to third place and secured the club’s first continental qualification in 27 years, earning a place in the CAF Confederation Cup. Under his leadership, the team collected 11 points from its first seven matches and ranked fifth. Aweroro left the club by mutual consent in August after 280 days in charge, while Yusuf now faces mounting pressure to improve results and restore supporters’ confidence.

Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has accused President Bola Tinubu of using a N66-per-litre petrol discount to gain public support without explaining its financial implications. He questioned whether the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited’s board approved the arrangement, how much it would cost and how the revenue loss would be recorded in the company’s accounts.

Atiku argued that the discount, available at just over 900 NNPC Retail filling stations, would have limited benefits for Nigerians because of possible queues, travel expenses and the requirement to use an app. He also criticised the government for invoking market forces when Nigerians demand lower petrol prices but offering temporary discounts to win public approval. The former vice-president maintained that the arrangement amounted to financial relief regardless of whether the government described it as a subsidy.

Former House of Representatives member and All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) financier Ifeanyichukwu Ibezi has defected to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), abandoning the political camp of Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo. He formally joined the party on Saturday, October 10, 2026, alongside hundreds of supporters from the Idemili area.

Ibezi declared support for Peter Obi’s presidential ambition and Senator Victor Umeh’s re-election bid, while pledging to mobilise support for NDC candidates in his area. He also promised to work towards the victory of the party’s candidates in the Idemili North and South and Orumba North and South federal constituencies. Umeh welcomed Ibezi, describing him as a grassroots politician with an established capacity to deliver electoral support.

NewsJunkky feedback-opera-news-app@opera.com