Rotimi Amaechi, the Vice Presidential candidate of the Africa Democratic Congress (ADC), has expressed strong reservations about the Federal government's decision to remove fuel subsidy, describing it as a trigger for "spiral inflation". Speaking at an ADC town hall meeting in Effurun, Uvwie local council, Delta State, Amaechi emphasized that the removal of the subsidy has led to increased transportation and energy costs, which have had a ripple effect on the prices of food, healthcare, education, and other essential services.
According to Amaechi, the ADC has a comprehensive plan to alleviate the economic burden on Nigerians if the party wins the 2027 presidential election. One of the key proposals is the introduction of a production subsidy for locally refined petroleum products, aimed at reducing fuel prices and easing the cost of living. This move, Amaechi believes, will have a positive impact on the overall economy, citing that when the price of food comes down, it will have a cascading effect on the prices of other essential services.
During the town hall meeting, Amaechi also highlighted the importance of reviving critical infrastructure, particularly rail and maritime transportation, to tackle corruption and stimulate economic growth. He specifically mentioned plans to build a new seaport in Warri and support the completion of the proposed Bonny/Brutu seaport. These initiatives, Amaechi stressed, are crucial to creating a more efficient and cost-effective transportation system.
The ADC Delta State chairman, Hon. George Timinimi, reaffirmed the state chapter's commitment to the party's presidential, governorship, and legislative candidates. He stated that the party has undertaken extensive consultations across the 25 local government areas and three senatorial districts, and is prepared to mobilize for an aggressive, issue-based campaign.
Delta State ADC Governorship candidate, Chief Great Ovedje Ogboru, welcomed Amaechi to Delta and described the meeting as an opportunity for the people to hear directly from the party's national leadership on its plans for Nigeria. Ogboru urged the audience to listen to Amaechi's proposals and question him on how the ADC intends to address the economic challenges confronting Nigerians.
Amaechi also cautioned voters not to leave their polling units after voting, emphasizing the need for them to defend their votes and ensure that the results are announced. He urged Deltans to secure the victory of the ADC governorship candidate, Great Ogboru, in 2027, as well as deliver the presidential candidate of the party, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.
Furthermore, Amaechi stressed that all ADC candidates, including those for the Senate, House of Representatives, and State Assembly, must work towards Atiku's victory to secure their own, rather than relying on appointments from an incoming federal government. He emphasized that no candidate will be given appointments if they do not win their constituency.
Key points
- Amaechi criticizes Tinubu's removal of fuel subsidy, citing spiral inflation.
- ADC promises to introduce production subsidy for locally refined petroleum products if it wins 2027 election.
- Amaechi emphasizes need for voters to defend their votes and ensure results are announced.
