Former Minister of Transportation and African Democratic Congress vice-presidential candidate, Rotimi Amaechi, has stated that an Atiku Abubakar-led administration would reduce the cost of transportation, fuel, and food within its first year in office. He made this claim while appearing on Channels Television’s Politics Today, criticizing the economic policies of President Bola Tinubu’s administration and outlining some of the ADC’s proposed measures.
Amaechi criticized the removal of petrol and electricity subsidies, stating that it has intensified economic hardship, leaving many Nigerians struggling to afford basic necessities. He mentioned that everybody is suffering, and people can’t buy fuel or travel, with airlines threatening to increase transportation costs. Amaechi also faulted Tinubu over his administration’s promises on electricity supply, arguing that Nigerians are still waiting for the improvements promised by the President.
The former Rivers State Governor stated that Atiku has pledged to reintroduce subsidy measures as part of efforts to ease the economic burden on Nigerians. Amaechi cited the increase in his household electricity bill as an example of the impact of the current electricity tariff structure, which rose from N500,000 to N4 million. He claimed that Atiku said he would bring back the subsidy, and if he does, everything will come down.
Amaechi linked the increase in food and transportation costs to the removal of petrol subsidy. He added that Atiku said he will bring back subsidy, and if Atiku brings back subsidy, everything will come down. Clarifying the nature of the proposed intervention, Amaechi said the ADC is advocating for a production subsidy rather than a return to the former consumer subsidy regime.
On education, Amaechi claimed that the number of out-of-school children has increased under the Tinubu administration, putting the figure at 20 million. He also stated that the number of illiterate Nigerians now stands at 92 million. Amaechi attributed worsening insecurity partly to farmers’ inability to access their farmlands, saying that insecurity has increased, and people can no longer go to farm.
Explaining his decision to contest the 2027 election, Amaechi said his motivation is his understanding of the challenges facing the country. He expressed confidence in the ADC’s prospects if the party appears on the ballot in 2027, stating that if they are on the ballot, President Bola Tinubu will lose the election. Amaechi emphasized that he is a Nigerian candidate who knows the Nigerian problem and can solve it.
Amaechi further stated that he doesn’t care who else is running, as he is running because he is a Nigerian candidate who understands the challenges facing the country. With this, he aims to provide a solution to the problems Nigerians are facing.
Key points
- An Atiku Abubakar-led administration will reduce fuel, food, and transportation costs within its first year in office.
- The ADC is advocating for a production subsidy rather than a return to the former consumer subsidy regime.
- Amaechi expressed confidence in the ADC’s prospects if the party appears on the ballot in 2027.
