Former Presidential Candidates Demand Fuel Price Cut
The Association of Former Presidential Candidates of Nigeria has called on President Bola Tinubu to reduce petrol prices and restore fuel subsidy, saying Nigerians are struggling with the rising cost of living.
The association made the demand on Tuesday at a press conference on the state of the nation in Abuja, where it also questioned why increased government revenue had not translated into improved living conditions for citizens.
The chairman of the association, Dr Onwubuya Abraham Breakforth, said government revenue should be directed towards reducing the economic pressure on Nigerians.
He said the rising prices of food, transportation and essential services had made life increasingly difficult for citizens.
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The association urged the Federal Government to introduce measures that would reduce the cost of food and other basic necessities, arguing that higher government revenue should provide tangible relief for Nigerians.
It also called for the immediate restoration of fuel subsidy, saying the rising and fluctuating price of petrol had increased transport costs and contributed to higher food prices.
The Director-General of the association, Dr Moses Ayibiowu, said the government could not continue to report increased revenue while many Nigerians struggled to meet their basic needs.
He urged the Federal Government to reduce the pump price of petrol to a level that ordinary Nigerians could afford.
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“We are advocating that the federal government must reverse the fuel pump price. Nigerians are suffering because fuel affects food, market women and everything,” Ayibiowu said.
The association also suggested that the government could import food from countries where prices are lower if necessary to make essential food items more affordable.
It said increased government revenue would have little impact if Nigerians continued to face worsening living conditions.
The former presidential candidates also raised concerns over insecurity and electoral violence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
They referred to reported killings during the recent Osun governorship election and called on security agencies to investigate the incidents and prosecute those found responsible.
A member of the association, Robinson Akpua, urged the police, Department of State Services and other security agencies to take action against perpetrators of electoral violence.
He warned that failure to prosecute those responsible could encourage more violence during the 2027 elections.
The association called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to work with security agencies to prevent violence and ensure peaceful elections.
It also urged political parties and candidates to focus on issues and ensure their supporters do not engage in violence before, during or after elections.
AFPCN described itself as a pro-masses association committed to good governance, peace, national unity and development, saying it was neither an anti-government nor a pro-government platform.
The group further called on the Federal Government to provide adequate funding for INEC ahead of the 2027 elections to prevent logistical problems.
It urged the National Assembly to scrutinise INEC’s finances and ensure that funds allocated for voter education and electoral preparations were properly utilised.
The association also appealed to INEC to remain neutral and provide a level playing field for all political parties and candidates.
It said the loss of lives should never be the price Nigerians pay for taking part in elections.
