Tinubu Will Do Anything To Win In 2027” — Nigerians Blast FG’s 30-Day Petrol Discount

Tinubu Will Do Anything To Win In 2027” — Nigerians Blast FG’s 30-Day Petrol Discount

Nigerians have questioned President Bola Tinubu’s decision to introduce a 30-day petrol discount at Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) stations, with critics linking the move to the 2027 elections.

The controversy followed Thursday’s announcement by Finance Minister Taiwo Oyedele that the Federal Government would offer discounted petrol, initially for 30 days, prioritising public transport operators nationwide.

Several social media users questioned why the administration was introducing temporary relief more than three years after removing petrol subsidies, despite persistent complaints about fuel prices and rising living costs.

Political commentator Ugo Egbujo alleged that the initiative was intended to strengthen Tinubu’s chances of securing another presidential term, suggesting the administration could reverse unpopular decisions to win votes.

“Tinubu will do anything to win this election. He can temporarily return fuel subsidies and unfriend Chagoury and seize Wike’s Rolls-Royce. After winning, he will return his old habits,” Egbujo wrote.

Another social media user, Haroun El-Yahya Hassan, questioned the timing of the intervention, asking why the government had not introduced similar measures earlier during the economic hardship.

“Where were they 40 months ago? He must go forever, God’s willing,” Hassan wrote, expressing opposition to the president’s administration and its handling of economic challenges.

Almajir Abdullahi also criticised the timing, using a Hausa expression to suggest that assistance offered after prolonged hardship might arrive too late to provide meaningful relief.

“In Hausa we say, ‘Masa ta bayan biki,’ which literally means, no benefit to make a guest’s food after the ceremony,” he said.

The reactions reflect growing public debate over whether the petrol discount represents a genuine attempt to ease economic pressure or a political calculation ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general election.

Oyedele explained that the government would offer petrol at a discounted price through NNPCL stations for an initial 30 days, giving priority to public transport operators across Nigeria.

“We are offering a discount on petrol dispensed by NNPC Limited for the next 30 days in the first instance, with priority for public transporters nationwide,” the minister said.

He added that the arrangement should not be regarded as a return of fuel subsidy, explaining that the government intended to sell petrol at cost under the new arrangement.

The finance minister also disclosed that discussions were underway to establish a N1,350-per-litre ceiling on petrol’s ex-gantry or landing cost, subject to monthly reviews.

According to Oyedele, the proposed ceiling would help moderate the effects of fluctuations in international crude oil prices and foreign exchange rates on domestic petrol prices.

However, the announcement failed to convince some Nigerians who argued that a temporary discount would not adequately address the country’s persistent fuel price challenges and rising transportation costs.

Abdulrahman Abba Saleh said he preferred a government committed to a lasting solution rather than one offering temporary relief after removing petrol subsidies.

“We prefer the person who has demonstrated readiness for a permanent solution (subsidy reversal) than one-month solution,” Saleh wrote in his reaction.

Ovie Ezimeruwe similarly questioned what would happen after the 30-day period, asking whether the government planned to maintain the discount or allow petrol prices to rise again.

He asked: “What will they do for that one month? Why can’t they do it after then? After one month, what next?”

Isiya Al’majir Keta also challenged the administration’s position, questioning the circumstances behind the latest announcement after officials had previously defended the effects of subsidy removal.

According to Keta, “They said petrol can never reduce the price, what has changed the story?”

The latest controversy follows Tinubu’s May 29, 2023, inauguration, when he announced that the petrol subsidy had ended, triggering significant increases in fuel prices and transportation fares.

The administration has repeatedly defended subsidy removal as necessary to reduce government expenditure and redirect public funds towards infrastructure, development and other national priorities.

However, the policy’s economic consequences have remained contentious, with higher transportation and production costs contributing to the rising prices of food and other essential commodities.

Usman Auwal Hassan suggested that the approaching election influenced the government’s decision to introduce the petrol discount, questioning whether the intervention would have happened otherwise.

“If not because of the election, they shouldn’t say that,” Hassan wrote, expressing doubt about the administration’s motives behind the announcement.

Michael Otues also insisted that reducing petrol prices would not necessarily change his voting decision, arguing that the administration had already lost his political support.

“If you guys like, make the price of fuel N100, it is not going to change our mind to vote for APC. Nigerians are wise now,” he said.

Abdullazeez Abdullahi urged the government to focus on policies that would earn public acceptance rather than actions critics might interpret as attempts to influence the electoral outcome.

“All options considered… No way to rigging; let’s do what is acceptable by the masses. It’s too late,” Abdullahi wrote.