The Convener of Arewa Think Tank (ATT), Muhammad Alhaji Yakubu, has cautioned Nigerians against politicians making promises to restore the petrol subsidy ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Yakubu said such promises should be carefully scrutinised, particularly because governments would have to identify sustainable sources of funding to finance the subsidy while meeting other obligations.

“Since Tinubu removed the fuel subsidy, state governments have been able to pay salaries and they have been able to do so many things,” he said.

He questioned how governments would fund salaries and other responsibilities if the subsidy were restored, urging Nigerians not to accept what he described as unrealistic campaign promises.

“Nigerians should be wise. They should open their eyes. They shouldn’t believe all these wild and fairy tales of promises being made by politicians,” Yakubu said.

He also urged Nigerians to give President Bola Ahmed Tinubu more time to consolidate his economic reforms, saying the administration should be allowed to complete its two terms and strengthen the foundation it had laid.

“We should allow Tinubu to complete his eight years and solidify this foundation he has started,” he said.

On the Ajaokuta Steel Complex, Yakubu commended efforts to revive the facility, describing it as important to Nigeria’s industrial development. He said a functional steel industry could boost industrialisation, create jobs and reduce the country’s dependence on imported industrial materials.

Yakubu also appealed to the United Kingdom and other foreign countries issuing travel advisories on Nigeria to “give the country some breathing space”, particularly as the 2027 elections approach.

He urged foreign governments to exercise caution in communicating security concerns about Nigeria, saying such advisories should not create unnecessary tension or portray the entire country as unsafe.

The ATT convener further called on religious leaders to avoid statements capable of heightening political tension, arguing that clerics who wish to participate directly in partisan politics should openly join politics rather than use religious platforms for political campaigns.