President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has criticised the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, over his promise to restore fuel subsidy if elected in 2027, describing the position as a demonstration of “serious ignorance” about governance and the economy.

Tinubu spoke on Thursday at the State House, Abuja, while receiving Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, who visited to thank the President for what he described as his role in ensuring a free and fair August 15 governorship election in Osun.

Reacting to Atiku’s position, Tinubu said the economic conditions confronting the country before his administration made a return to fuel subsidy impractical.

“I saw one of my opponents now say he will go back to subsidy. I read it. That is a demonstration of serious ignorance on governance and the economy.

“Before I came here, 27 states were unable to pay salaries, not to talk of pensioners. Workers were owed salaries, while state governments depended on the Federal Government and were unable to do much,”

Tinubu said.

The President also urged Adeleke to use his electoral victory to promote reconciliation and unite Osun residents, warning him against victimising or stigmatising political opponents.

“All for reconciliation, expand your coast. That is the only way you can give thanks to our people. Not the way you sang it or celebrated it. It’s the way you act it.”

Tinubu described Adeleke’s victory as an opportunity granted by God and the people, rather than evidence of political superiority.

“Use me as an example. I got here because God put me here. Where you are today, God put you there. It is not the smartness of any of these people.

“Their support helped, but it is the wish of God and the wish of the people that prevailed for you,”

he said.

The President said Adeleke was in a unique position to make history by promoting unity, peace, stability, democracy and the rule of law in the state.

“You are in a very unique position to make history, promote unity, peace and stability. Use it. You did a very good mobilisation with your team. Very good job.

“Promote democracy. Promote stability. Promote the rule of law. Don’t stigmatise any of your opponents. You did not conquer anybody; you won the election. That is the essence of democracy,”

Tinubu said.

He urged the governor to focus on governance and improving the welfare of Osun residents, regardless of their political affiliations.

Tinubu listed infrastructure development, rehabilitation of schools and hospitals, improved healthcare, training of teachers and health workers, and protection of vulnerable citizens among the responsibilities Adeleke must prioritise.

Speaking to State House Correspondents, Adeleke said his visit was primarily to appreciate Tinubu for allowing a credible electoral process in Osun.

“I am here to thank Mr. President, the father of the nation, because he fought for this democracy. That is why he allowed free and fair election, and that is the result.

“That is why I am here, to say thank you and to ensure that democracy lives in Nigeria,”

Adeleke said.

The visit ended with Adeleke symbolically presenting his Certificate of Return to Tinubu.