By Zainab Bakare
President Bola Tinubu has ruled out a return to petrol subsidies, using the biblical story of Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt to defend his decision to end the policy.
Tinubu spoke on Monday at an event organised by the City Boy Movement, a group led by his son, Seyi Tinubu, which is mobilising young voters ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The president said Nigeria could not afford to return to petrol subsidies, arguing that the government lacked the funds to sustain the policy when he took office in May 2023.
Drawing a parallel with the biblical account of Moses and the Israelites crossing the Red Sea, Tinubu said the country must not reverse its decision.
“You cannot ask Moses to go back to Egypt,” he said, insisting that Nigeria must continue on its current economic path.
Tinubu also urged young Nigerians to obtain their permanent voter cards and participate in the 2027 presidential election.
He called on supporters to campaign on the administration’s policies and plans, saying the government would rely on its ideas and performance to seek public support.
The president’s comments come as opposition figures advocate measures to reduce petrol prices, with some proposing a possible return to subsidies if elected in 2027.
