The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has condemned the Federal Government's announcement of a 30-day petrol price discount at NNPC retail outlets, describing the move as deceptive and a sign of a government in crisis. In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director Esq, and dated October 8, 2026, the party dismissed the initiative as mere tokenism, questioning its relevance to Nigerians who lost jobs and businesses after the abrupt removal of fuel subsidy.
NDC Rejects the Discount as a "Greek Gift"
The NDC's reaction came in direct response to comments by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, who described the initiative as a cost-price offer rather than a return to subsidy. Oyedele had said: "We are offering a discount on petrol dispensed by NNPC Limited for the next 30 days in the first instance, with priority for public transporters nationwide. So, it's not a subsidy. The government is just saying we sell to you at cost."
The NDC dismissed the announcement as tokenism from a government that, in its view, removed the fuel subsidy without proper planning, consultation, or any safety net for ordinary Nigerians. The party raised pointed questions about the millions of Nigerians who lost their livelihoods following the subsidy removal, as well as those who died in under-resourced public hospitals.
Practicality and Safety Concerns Raised
The party also questioned the practicality of the scheme, asking how many NNPC retail outlets exist across Nigeria to serve a population of over 200 million people. It warned that concentrating discounted fuel at a limited number of designated stations could trigger dangerous stampedes at filling stations.
"The attempt to reintroduce petrol subsidy through the backdoor is not only mischievous but a sign of a government in free fall," the statement said, adding that President Bola Tinubu's economic approach, which the NDC branded "Emilokanomics," had failed.
NDC Points to Obi and 2027 Elections
The NDC used the statement to direct public attention towards the 2027 general elections, urging Nigerians to vote out what it called "the most clueless and rudderless government in the history of Nigeria." The party said its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, who was ratified as NDC's flagbearer on May 29, 2026, would put the country back on course. The NDC called on voters to turn out en masse on January 16, 2027, to support Obi and all other NDC candidates across the country.
The party's statement was published by Legit.ng, authored by Bada Yusuf, Politics and Current Affairs Editor, who has over 5 years of experience in journalism and holds a B.A. in Literature from OAU and a Diploma in Mass Comm. The NDC's full statement is available on X.
