A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, has urged the presidential candidates of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, to be realistic in their campaign promises to Nigerians.
Mr Oyintiloye, who spoke with journalists on Sunday in Osogbo, said the campaign promises made by Atiku, Obi and other presidential candidates were unrealistic, given the country’s current economic realities.
He said the promise by Mr Abubakar and Mr Obi to restore fuel subsidy was unrealistic and could cause chaos in the country.
According to him, all tiers and arms of government have adjusted to operating without fuel subsidy under the current administration.
“It is practically impossible to think of returning Nigeria to the era of fuel subsidy.
“Alhaji Atiku and Mr Obi should be mindful of the implications of whatever promises they make to attract Nigerians’ attention ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“The presidential candidate of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Donald Duke, also promised to peg the pump price of petrol at N300 per litre if elected. How realistic is that?
“I appeal to opposition candidates to be truthful to themselves and stop deceiving Nigerians. The majority of their promises are nothing but a recipe for public chaos,” he said.
Mr Oyintiloye, a former lawmaker, noted that fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange reforms introduced by the administration of President Bola Tinubu had driven major fiscal adjustments, although they had also placed considerable pressure on households and businesses.
He said increased allocations from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) had given state governments greater financial flexibility to meet their obligations, execute development projects and address infrastructure and social service deficits.
Mr Oyintiloye urged opposition candidates to support the federal government’s efforts to reposition the economy or adopt alternative campaign strategies rather than make promises they might be unable to fulfil.
“Presently, salaries and wages are based on the government’s earnings after fuel subsidy removal.
“With the restoration of fuel subsidy that these candidates are promising, will salaries and wages also be reviewed downward?
“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? Nigerians are wiser,” Mr Oyintiloye said.
The APC chieftain, however, called on state governors to demonstrate accountability by translating increased revenue into better roads, improved healthcare, increased food production, regular payment of salaries and pensions, and more employment opportunities.
According to him, citizens expect tangible improvements in their living conditions rather than increased government revenue without visible benefits at the grassroots.
He also urged the federal government to sustain efforts to ease the economic burden on vulnerable households, curb inflationary pressures, expand employment opportunities and improve purchasing power.
Mr Oyintiloye further urged Nigerians to assess the federal government’s economic reforms objectively, expressing optimism that they would eventually yield positive results for the benefit of all.
(NAN)