Dino Melaye Releases New Anthem, Calls for Return of Fuel Subsidy
Former Kogi West Senator, Dino Melaye, has released a new political anthem calling for the return of fuel subsidy, with the former lawmaker linking the proposed policy reversal to the presidential ambition of African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, Atiku Abubakar.
Melaye performed the song at a political gathering in Abuja as opposition parties continue to mobilise ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The anthem, titled ‘Fuel Subsidy Return’, centres on the economic hardship Nigerians have faced since the removal of petrol subsidy by the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
During the performance, Melaye repeatedly sang the phrase ‘it’s coming back again’, which was understood as a reference to Atiku’s promise to reintroduce a form of fuel subsidy if elected president in 2027.
The former senator presented the issue as part of the opposition campaign message ahead of the election.
Recall, Atiku has repeatedly defended his position on the issue, arguing that Nigerians should not be left to bear the full burden of high energy and transportation costs.
The ADC presidential candidate had earlier said he would restore a targeted subsidy if elected, while making it clear that his proposal would not be a return to the old system that was associated with fuel imports and alleged abuses.
The former vice president has maintained that the objective would be to reduce the cost of living, support local production and make petrol more affordable.
On August 25, 2026, Atiku insisted that his position on subsidy had not changed. He said, “On the question of subsidy, my position has not changed and will not change: I will restore it! A nation as blessed as ours has no business abandoning its citizens to hardship. Nigeria is rich enough to look after her own.”
He further argued that the value of the economy should also be measured by what Nigerians can afford with the money in their pockets.
According to him, high petrol prices have a wider effect because increased fuel costs push up transportation expenses and eventually affect food prices and the cost of running businesses.
The former lawmaker has remained one of the more vocal supporters of Atiku and the ADC opposition platform.
The Federal Government has continued to defend the subsidy removal reform, arguing that maintaining the subsidy placed a heavy burden on public finances and prevented the government from directing funds to other areas.
Opposition figures, however, have consistently questioned the impact of the policy on ordinary Nigerians.
They have argued that the savings from subsidy removal should have translated into better living conditions and stronger social protection for citizens.
For many households, the debate remains closely connected to the cost of transportation, food, electricity, business operations and other basic needs.
Melaye’s anthem comes as the 2027 political contest gathers momentum, with Atiku already emerging as the ADC presidential candidate.
Atiku was ratified as the presidential candidate of the ADC on May 29, 2026, after emerging from the party’s primary process.
The former vice president is expected to challenge Tinubu, who is seeking another term under the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a related development former Kogi West Senator, Dino Melaye, had earlier accused President Bola Tinubu of using funds associated with the removal of fuel subsidy to secure the support of state governors ahead of the 2027 election.
Melaye made the allegation on August 27, while reacting to the renewed debate over Atiku’s promise to restore subsidy if elected president.
In a post on social media, the former lawmaker directly criticised the President over the distribution of funds to state governments following the subsidy removal.
Melaye wrote, “Bola Tinubu think say he dey smart.
“You took money away from Nigerians in the name of subsidy removal and gave it to the Governors in return for their votes and support.
“Now the election is almost here, and you realised that the governors can’t deliver you, and you’ve now come back to ask Nigerians, the same people you took away money from their pockets to go and hold the Governors accountable. You can take that from me: their days are numbered.”
