Fuel price cut: ‘Nigerians will reject your one-month bribe’ – ADC tells Tinubu
The African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council (ADC-PCC) has criticized the Federal Government’s recent decision to reduce petrol prices at NNPC filling stations for 30 days, arguing that this move is merely a temporary measure in anticipation of the 2027 general elections.
The response follows statements from Finance Minister Taiwo Oyedele, who indicated that Nigerians would benefit from this reduction in fuel prices over the next month.
In a statement released Thursday, ADC-PCC Director of Media and Publicity Kola Ologbondiyan stated that the decision reflects an admission of the severe economic hardship the government’s policies have inflicted on the population.
“After over three years of subjecting Nigerians to tremendous pain through the reckless removal of fuel subsidies, the collapse of the naira, and stifling economic policies, the Tinubu administration now believes it can placate Nigerians with 30 days of cheaper fuel. Nigerians will reject this one-month bribe,” Ologbondiyan said.
Ologbondiyan raised concerns about the future, questioning the implications for petrol prices once the 30-day period concludes. “What happens after 30 days? Will Nigerians return to buying petrol at over N1,400 per litre?” he asked.
He described the government’s approach as a “negotiated bribe,” suggesting it is designed to align with the political calendar rather than to provide substantive relief to those suffering from rising costs of living.
The ADC-PCC also expressed support for its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, commending him for his ongoing critique of the government’s economic policies, particularly the removal of the fuel subsidy without adequate social protections. Ologbondiyan stated that the recent price reduction corroborates Abubakar’s assertion that Nigerians could access petrol at lower rates.
“We commend our presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, for clearly exposing the failures of this oppressive government and for promising to implement a more humane and responsible approach to fuel subsidy management in the interests of the Nigerian people,” Ologbondiyan said.
He asserted that the government’s belated recognition of the negative impact of subsidy removal on the population signifies a policy error. “This half-hearted 30-day gimmick is proof that the government has finally acknowledged the truth, even if it has done so too late and in a deceptive manner,” he added.
Ologbondiyan further questioned why Nigerians had endured high fuel costs for more than 800 days if the government had the capability to alleviate the situation. “If the government can reduce fuel costs for 30 days, why did it allow Nigerians to suffer for so long? It seems the government only recalls the struggles of the people when elections are near,” he remarked.
He noted that the short-term relief does not address the broader economic challenges faced by Nigerians, which include inflation, hunger, unemployment, and insecurity.
“A one-month palliative cannot buy the conscience of Nigerians. They are not for sale nor can their future be secured with 30 days of cheaper fuel. They have discerned this deception and are determined to reject hardship and hunger in the 2027 elections,” Ologbondiyan said.
The ADC-PCC urged Nigerians to remain vigilant against temporary concessions, positioning the ADC as a viable alternative under Atiku Abubakar’s leadership.
