Opposition Parties Reject FG’s 30-Day Petrol Discount, Question 2027 Election Timing

Opposition groups have criticised the Federal Government’s 30-day petrol discount, describing it as inadequate and questioning its timing ahead of the 2027 general elections. The criticism followed Finance Minister Taiwo Oyedele’s announcement that Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) would sell petrol at discounted prices at its filling stations nationwide, prioritising public transport operators.

The Opposition Movement questioned why the government waited more than three years after removing the fuel subsidy in May 2023 before introducing the temporary relief. Its Director of Media and Communications, Onyeka Dike, argued that Nigerians had endured rising fuel prices, taxes, tuition fees and food costs, adding that a 30-day discount could not erase years of economic hardship. The movement called for lasting solutions to make fuel, food and education affordable.

The Allied Peoples Movement Presidential Campaign Organisation also condemned the intervention, describing the reported ₦60 reduction as inadequate and politically motivated. However, NNPC Group Chief Executive Officer Bayo Ojulari told Punch that the company had begun discounting petrol prices after securing approvals around the October 1 Independence Day celebration, adding that NNPC was prepared to prioritise economic stability and consumer welfare over immediate profitability.