TD The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has rejected the Federal Government’s announcement of a 30-day discount on petrol sold through Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) retail outlets, describing the measure as “tokenism and deceit.”
The opposition party made its position known in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director Esq., following the announcement by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele.
Oyedele had said the government would offer a discount on petrol dispensed by NNPC Limited for an initial period of 30 days, with priority given to public transporters nationwide.
According to the minister, the arrangement was not a return to fuel subsidy but an initiative to sell petrol at cost.
NDC Questions Petrol Discount
The NDC said the announcement represented an attempt to reintroduce petrol subsidy “through the backdoor.”
“This is nothing but tokenism and a Greek gift from a government that whimsically removed fuel subsidy without proper consideration, consultation, or cushions for Nigerians,” the party said.
The opposition party argued that the government should address the broader economic consequences of the removal of petrol subsidy rather than introduce what it described as a temporary intervention.
Party Raises Questions Over Economic Impact
The NDC questioned the impact of the subsidy removal on Nigerians who, according to the party, lost jobs or had their businesses affected by rising costs.
It also raised concerns about the state of public healthcare and the consequences of increased economic hardship on vulnerable Nigerians.
The party further accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration of failing to adequately address the consequences of its economic policies.
NDC Questions NNPC Outlet Capacity
The party also questioned whether the proposed discount could be effectively implemented through NNPC retail outlets nationwide.
“Even the bogus promise to dispense discounted fuel at designated NNPC retail outlets is not pragmatic.
“How many such outlets exist in Nigeria to serve over 200 million Nigerians?” the statement asked.
The NDC warned that concentrating consumers at designated filling stations could create congestion and potentially expose motorists and other members of the public to safety risks.
It questioned whether such an arrangement could result in overcrowding at filling stations.
Party Says APC Government Has Failed
The NDC described the current economic situation as evidence of what it considers the failure of the APC administration to manage the country’s economy.
“The APC has shown itself glaringly incapable of rescuing the country from imminent collapse,” the party said.
The opposition party also criticised what it referred to as “Emilokanomics,” declaring that the economic approach had failed.
NDC Endorses Peter Obi
The NDC said it believes a change of government would provide an alternative direction for Nigeria.
The party endorsed Peter Obi as its preferred candidate and said he would lead efforts to put the country “back on the right track.”
“A New Nigeria is POssible with Obi,” the statement declared.
The NDC subsequently called on Nigerians to vote for Obi and other NDC candidates at the 2027 general elections, citing January 16, 2027 in its statement.
The claims and political characterisations contained in the statement represent the position of the NDC and have not been independently established by This Dawn News.
