Rotimi Amaechi, the Vice Presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has made a bold pledge to withdraw from Atiku Abubakar’s presidential ticket if petrol prices drop to N600 per litre by tomorrow, challenging the Federal Government’s claims about reduced living costs. Speaking on Channels TV’s Politics Today on Friday, Amaechi questioned whether Nigerians have truly benefited from recent fuel price adjustments, particularly in transportation costs. He pointed specifically to the journey from Nyanya to Abuja, asking if fares had actually decreased as promised by government officials.
Amaechi emphasized that despite repeated assurances from the administration that transport and daily living expenses would fall following the reduction in fuel prices, ordinary citizens have yet to feel any tangible relief. “Every day he repeats the same thing,” Amaechi said, referring to government statements. “He said by October 1, the price of transport would come down. Check the cost of transport from Nyanya to Abuja; has anything come down? Has anything changed?” His remarks highlight growing public skepticism over economic reforms and their real-world impact.
In a dramatic statement, Amaechi declared that if petrol sells for N600 per litre tomorrow, he will not only campaign for President Bola Tinubu but also formally withdraw as Atiku’s running mate. “If fuel has come down to N600 tomorrow, I will campaign for President Tinubu,” he stated. To prove his sincerity, he invited journalists to accompany him to a filling station early the next morning, saying, “If you doubt, come with your camera to my house in the morning. I will go to the filling station and buy fuel.”
This public challenge underscores the high stakes surrounding Nigeria’s energy policy and its effect on inflation and cost of living. Amaechi’s conditional support for Tinubu is unprecedented and could signal shifting political dynamics ahead of upcoming elections. His words carry weight, given his status as a former governor of Rivers State and a prominent figure in Nigerian politics. The ADC’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has not publicly responded to the development, leaving room for speculation on how this might affect the party’s campaign strategy.
The issue of fuel pricing remains central to Nigeria’s economic discourse, with many citizens still grappling with high transportation and food costs. Amaechi’s comments reflect broader discontent and demand for accountability from policymakers. As Nigerians await the outcome of tomorrow’s fuel pricing, his pledge adds a new layer of political drama to an already volatile landscape. This moment may serve as a turning point in public perception of both the current administration and opposition candidates.
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