2027: APC chieftain warns Atiku, Obi against fuel subsidy promises

An All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain in Osun State, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, has warned opposition presidential candidates against promising to restore fuel subsidy, describing such pledges as unrealistic and potentially capable of triggering public chaos.

Oyintiloye specifically criticised African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate Peter Obi, urging them to present economic proposals he said were achievable under Nigeria’s current fiscal realities.

Speaking with journalists in Osogbo on Sunday, the former Osun lawmaker also questioned a reported promise by Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) presidential candidate Donald Duke to peg petrol prices at N300 per litre if elected.

“It is practically impossible to think of returning Nigeria to the era of fuel subsidy. Alhaji Atiku and Mr Obi should be mindful of the implication of whatever promise they are making to get the attention of Nigerians,” he said.

Oyintiloye added, “I appeal to the opposition candidates to be truthful to themselves and stop deceiving Nigerians. Majority of their promises are nothing but a recipe for public chaos.”

He argued that the removal of fuel subsidy and foreign exchange reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu’s administration had forced governments at all levels to adjust their spending and fiscal plans.

According to him, restoring the subsidy would raise questions about government revenue, workers’ salaries, state allocations and projects awarded based on current earnings.

“Presently, salaries, wages are based on the post fuel subsidy removal earnings of the government. With the restoration of fuel subsidy that these candidates are promising, will the wages and salaries be reviewed downward too? What will be the earnings of state governments at the wake of fuel subsidy restoration? What becomes of several ongoing government projects awarded based on its current earnings?” he asked.

The APC chieftain said increased allocations from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) had provided state governments with greater financial flexibility to meet obligations and execute development projects.

He, however, urged governors to translate the additional revenue into tangible improvements in citizens’ lives, including better roads, improved healthcare, stronger food production, regular payment of salaries and pensions, and more employment opportunities.

Oyintiloye said Nigerians expected visible benefits from increased government revenue rather than figures that did not translate into improved living conditions at the grassroots.

He also called on the Federal Government to intensify efforts to ease economic hardship, control inflation, create jobs and improve citizens’ purchasing power.

He urged Nigerians to assess the administration’s economic reforms objectively, expressing optimism that the policies would eventually produce positive results.