The African Democratic Congress (ADC) vice-presidential candidate, Rotimi Amaechi, has issued a bold statement regarding the 2027 presidential race. During an appearance on Politics Today on Channels Television, Amaechi claimed he would withdraw from the race and campaign for President Bola Tinubu if petrol sells for ₦600 per litre. This statement comes amid the Tinubu administration's claims that Nigerians are entering an era of prosperity.
Amaechi questioned the impact of the Federal Government's economic changes on ordinary Nigerians, particularly transportation and fuel prices. He challenged the government to demonstrate how its policies have translated into lower costs for citizens. Despite the President's Independence Day message assuring that the country has turned the corner, Nigerians have yet to see a significant reduction in the cost of living.
To verify the prevailing petrol price, Amaechi stated he would personally visit a filling station the following morning rather than rely on information from his staff. He invited the television programme's host to accompany him with a camera to a filling station to verify the price. This move aims to ascertain whether the economic changes announced have had a tangible impact on fuel costs.
According to Amaechi, if petrol actually sells for ₦600 per litre, he will not only support Tinubu but also relinquish his position on the ADC presidential ticket. He emphasized that he would withdraw as the vice-presidential candidate of Atiku and campaign for President Tinubu. This bold statement has sparked debate amid continued discussion over the impact of the Federal Government's economic reforms.
Amaechi's comments come as Nigerians continue to experience economic pressure, particularly in transportation costs. He pointed to transport costs as an indicator of the economic strain faced by households. Specifically, he referred to the cost of transportation from Nyanya to Abuja and from Ubima to Port Harcourt, asking whether fares had fallen as promised.
The ADC candidate challenged the administration's claim that Nigerians are beginning to experience the benefits of its policies. He asked citizens to verify whether the cost of transportation has decreased, indicating that economic reforms have yet to have a significant impact on daily life.
The development has sparked reactions amid debate over the Federal Government's economic reforms, particularly fuel pricing and the removal of petrol subsidy. As Nigerians await a significant reduction in the cost of living, Amaechi's statement has added to the discussion on the effectiveness of the government's policies.
Key points
- Rotimi Amaechi may withdraw from the 2027 presidential race and campaign for President Tinubu if petrol price drops to ₦600 per litre.
- Amaechi questioned the impact of the Federal Government's economic changes on ordinary Nigerians, particularly transportation and fuel prices.
- The ADC candidate challenged the administration's claim that Nigerians are beginning to experience the benefits of its policies.
