The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has rejected the Federal Government’s 30-day petrol discount. The opposition party called the plan “deceit” and dismissed it as a political gesture.
The party reacted a day after Finance Minister Taiwo Oyedele announced the measure in Abuja. The plan covers NNPC filling stations, with priority for public transporters. It also includes a proposed ₦1,350 per litre ceiling on the landing cost of petrol.
“Tokenism and a Greek Gift”
The NDC described the discount as “tokenism and a Greek gift.” In its view, the government removed the fuel subsidy without proper consultation or measures to cushion the impact.
The party’s national publicity secretary, Osa Director, issued the statement. He said many Nigerians who lost jobs or saw their businesses collapse after the subsidy removal have yet to recover.
“What happens to the millions of Nigerians who lost their jobs and whose businesses collapsed?” the party asked in the statement. It also asked about people who died in poorly equipped government hospitals.
Claim of a Backdoor Subsidy
The NDC also criticised the price-modulation plan. It alleged that the government is trying to bring back the petrol subsidy through the backdoor. The party said this showed the government was struggling to manage the economy.
Oyedele had said earlier that the arrangement is neither a subsidy nor price control.
Doubts Over NNPC Outlets
The NDC questioned how the discount would work in practice. It asked how many NNPC outlets exist to serve over 200 million Nigerians.
The party warned that crowds at filling stations could cause stampedes. It said many more Nigerians could be trampled.
Call to Vote Obi in 2027
The NDC then turned to the 2027 elections. It said its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, would offer an alternative.
The party urged Nigerians to vote for Obi and other NDC candidates on January 15, 2027.
