APC’s Oyintiloye Questions Opposition Fuel Subsidy Promises

 

By Atlantic Reports

An All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain in Osun State, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, has challenged opposition presidential candidates to explain the financial implications of their campaign promises, particularly proposals to restore petrol subsidies.

Speaking with journalists in Osogbo on Sunday, Oyintiloye criticised promises he attributed to Atiku Abubakar of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Peter Obi of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

He argued that restoring fuel subsidies would disrupt fiscal arrangements adopted by federal and state governments since their removal under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

“It is practically impossible to think of returning Nigeria to the era of fuel subsidy,” he said.

His remarks represent the APC politician’s assessment. The account did not include the candidates’ detailed proposals or establish their projected costs.

Questions Over Funding and Government Spending

Oyintiloye also questioned a promise he attributed to Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) presidential candidate Donald Duke to reduce petrol prices to ₦300 per litre.

He urged candidates to consider the implications of their pledges for government revenue, wages and ongoing projects.

“Presently, salaries and wages are based on the government’s earnings after fuel subsidy removal,” he said.

“What will be the earnings of states following the restoration of fuel subsidy? What will become of the several ongoing government projects awarded based on its current earnings?”

Oyintiloye argued that increased allocations from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) had given states greater financial flexibility to meet obligations and fund development.

However, his comments did not provide figures showing the additional revenue received by individual states or the estimated fiscal effect of the opposition proposals. His suggestion that subsidy restoration could lead to lower wages was a question about possible consequences, rather than an established outcome.

Governors Urged to Deliver Visible Benefits

The former lawmaker acknowledged that fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange reforms had placed considerable pressure on households and businesses.

He called on governors to demonstrate accountability by translating increased revenue into better roads, improved healthcare, greater food production, regular salaries and pensions, and employment opportunities.

According to him, residents should see improvements in their living conditions rather than higher government receipts without corresponding benefits in their communities.

Oyintiloye also urged the Federal Government to strengthen support for vulnerable households, address inflationary pressures, expand employment and improve purchasing power.

He expressed confidence that the administration’s reforms would eventually produce positive results, while asking Nigerians to assess them objectively.

His intervention places two questions before voters: how candidates intend to finance their economic promises, and whether governments receiving additional revenue are delivering measurable improvements in everyday life.

Atlantic Reports: Voices. People. Facts.