Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has said state governors, rather than President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, should account for how the financial gains from the removal of petrol subsidy are being spent.
Abiodun made the statement on Thursday while speaking at an All Progressives Congress rally held at the Dipo Dina International Stadium in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.
The governor was responding to calls for the Tinubu administration to explain how the savings from subsidy removal had been utilised, insisting that state governments were better placed to provide such explanations because they receive increased allocations from the Federation Account.
According to Abiodun, the additional funds available to states following the removal of the subsidy have been used to finance infrastructure and various support programmes.
He cited the construction of airports, roads, schools and housing projects, as well as incentives for farmers, as examples of projects funded with increased government revenue.
Abiodun also criticised calls for the return of petrol subsidy, describing the policy as unsustainable and defending the decision of the Tinubu administration to remove it.
The governor’s comments come amid renewed political debate over the impact of subsidy removal as parties prepare for the 2027 general elections.
Opposition figures have repeatedly questioned how the additional revenue generated after the subsidy was removed has been utilised, with former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar among those calling for greater accountability.
The Federal Government has defended the policy, arguing that it has freed substantial resources previously spent on subsidising petrol. Finance Minister Taiwo Oyedele said in August that subsidy removal saved the federation N15.8 trillion between June 2023 and December 2025.
Abiodun also used the APC rally to express confidence in the party’s prospects in the 2027 elections, declaring that the ruling party would defeat its opponents.
The governor’s remarks are expected to further fuel the debate over the management of subsidy savings and the responsibilities of the federal and state governments ahead of the 2027 elections.
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