ADC-PCC: Nigerians Will Reject 30-Day Fuel Price Cut, Says Group

By Ladan Muhammad Nasidi

The African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council (ADC-PCC) has criticised the Federal Government’s decision to reduce petrol prices at NNPC filling stations for 30 days, describing the move as a temporary measure that would not address the economic difficulties facing Nigerians.

The council said the announcement by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, amounted to an attempt to provide short-term relief ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement on Thursday, the Director of Media and Publicity of the ADC-PCC, Kola Ologbondiyan, accused the administration of President Bola Tinubu of worsening economic hardship through policies including the removal of petrol subsidy and the depreciation of the naira.

“Nigerians will reject your one-month bribe,” Ologbondiyan said.

He questioned what would happen after the 30-day period, asking whether petrol prices would return to their previous levels once the temporary reduction expires.

“What happens after 30 days? Will Nigerians return to buying petrol at over N1,400 per litre?” he asked.

Ologbondiyan argued that a short-term reduction in fuel prices could not, on its own, address the broader challenges confronting households, transport operators and businesses.

“This is not governance; this is deceit,” he said, describing the measure as a temporary intervention that, in the council’s view, was influenced by the approaching 2027 elections.

The ADC-PCC also commended former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, its presidential candidate, for his criticism of the government’s economic policies, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy without what the council considers adequate social protection measures.

According to the council, the latest petrol price reduction reinforces Atiku’s argument that government can take measures to reduce the burden of fuel costs on Nigerians.

“We commend our presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, for boldly exposing the failures of this oppressive government and for promising to restore a humane and responsible approach to fuel subsidy management in the interest of the Nigerian people,” the statement said.

The council further argued that the temporary reduction demonstrated the need for a more transparent and sustainable approach to fuel pricing and subsidy management.

“If the government can reduce the burden of fuel costs for 30 days, with priority given to public transport operators, why did it allow Nigerians to suffer for more than 800 days?” Ologbondiyan asked.

He said the country’s economic challenges, including inflation, unemployment, declining purchasing power and insecurity, required long-term policy solutions rather than temporary concessions.

“No one-month palliative can buy the conscience of Nigerians,” he said.

“Nigerians are not for sale. You cannot buy their future with 30 days of cheaper fuel.”

The ADC-PCC urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and not allow temporary economic measures to distract from broader questions about government policy and accountability.

The council said the ADC would continue to present itself as an alternative political platform focused on economic relief, security, accountability and people-centred governance under the leadership of Atiku Abubakar.