The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has criticised the Federal Government’s 30-day petrol discount programme, describing it as “tokenism and deceit” and accusing the President Bola Tinubu administration of attempting to bring back fuel subsidy through the back door.
The party stated its position in a statement dated October 8, 2026, signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, Esq., following the announcement of discounted petrol sales at Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) retail outlets.
The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, had announced that the discount would initially last for 30 days, with public transport operators given priority.
Oyedele explained that the arrangement was not a subsidy but a temporary decision by the government to sell petrol at cost.
However, the NDC described the initiative as a “Greek gift,” arguing that the government removed fuel subsidy without adequate consultation or sufficient measures to ease the financial burden on Nigerians.
The opposition party questioned the programme’s long-term benefits, particularly for millions of Nigerians who, it claimed, had lost their jobs or shut down their businesses following the removal of the subsidy.
“Nigerians cannot be deceived,” the party said, demanding to know what the government planned to do to address the hardship faced by affected citizens.
The NDC also raised concerns about whether the designated NNPCL retail outlets had the capacity to meet the demand for discounted petrol across the country.
It questioned whether the selected stations could adequately serve Nigeria’s population, warning that limiting the programme to specific outlets could lead to long queues, congestion and possible stampedes.
The party further alleged that the initiative was an indirect attempt to restore fuel subsidy, adding that the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration had struggled to address the country’s economic challenges.
It described the economy as being at a critical point and accused the government of failing to provide sufficient relief for Nigerians struggling with rising living costs.
The NDC subsequently urged Nigerians to support its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in the 2027 general elections, expressing confidence that his leadership would improve the country’s economic and political situation.
“His Excellency Peter Obi, under the NDC, will put Nigeria back on the right track. A New Nigeria is Possible with Obi,” the statement added.
The party also called on Nigerians to participate in the forthcoming presidential and National Assembly elections, urging voters to use their ballots to bring an end to the APC-led administration.
