Opposition parties in Nigeria have claimed victory over the Tinubu administration on the 30-day fuel discount announced by the federal government, describing it as a subtle return to fuel subsidy and propaganda gimmick to win over voters for the forthcoming January 16, 2027 presidential election.
The federal government announced two days ago through Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, the Hon. Minister of Finance and Co-ordinating Minister of the Economy, an immediate policy of fuel discount for a limited period of 30 days through NNPC Limited to cushion the negative impact of transportation on Nigerians and businesses in the country.
It would be recalled that Tinubu declared a policy of Subsidy Gone! during his presidential inauguration on May 29, 2023 in Abuja.
In a statement, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) campaign of former vice president, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar said: “A panic-driven publicity stunt. Atiku totally rejects this calendar-scheduled, election-laced subsidy package. Nigerians are not fools to be offered a month of discounted fuel after years of punishing prices and then expected to forget the hardship when the discount expires. This is shameless and heartless.”
The obedient movement stated: “For three years, Tinubu told Nigerians that the ‘baby steps of pain’ were necessary. Now, suddenly, a petrol discount is possible. So, what changed? Did subsidy suddenly become good because Peter Obi said he would restore it? Why the desperation as elections approach? The pains were never necessary. They were policy choices.”
