Former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi has promised that an African Democratic Congress (ADC)-led Federal Government would reverse the removal of fuel subsidy and reduce the cost of living if elected in 2027.
Amaechi, the ADC vice-presidential candidate, made the pledge at the party’s town hall meeting in Benin on Thursday, saying lower petrol prices would reduce transport costs and help bring down the prices of goods and services.
He said the party’s proposed economic policies would support domestic fuel production and ease the pressure on households struggling with rising living costs.
Amaechi acknowledged that poverty would not disappear overnight but said it would gradually decline through policies designed to improve the economy and create opportunities.
He also promised to expand access to education by building more schools and introduce electoral reforms to strengthen the voting process and restore public confidence in elections.
Addressing Edo residents, the former Minister of Transportation said an ADC administration would ensure that voters freely choose their leaders rather than have political office holders imposed on them.
He urged Nigerians to participate actively in the 2027 elections, saying citizens had a responsibility to determine the country’s direction.
On infrastructure, Amaechi expressed concern over the condition of major roads linking Edo State with other parts of the country, including the Lagos-Benin, Abuja-Benin and East-Benin routes.
He said improving the roads would ease the movement of people and goods and support economic activities.
Responding to a question on the proposed Gelegele seaport, Amaechi said the project had been brought to his attention while he was Minister of Transportation but raised concerns about the location’s water depth.
According to him, the water at Gelegele is about seven metres deep, while a depth of approximately 18 metres would be needed to accommodate the vessels envisaged for the proposed port.
Also speaking, former Edo State Governor and ADC national leader, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, said the 2027 elections offered Nigerians an opportunity to reflect on the consequences of their previous political choices.
Odigie-Oyegun, who chairs the party’s Policy and Manifesto Committee, said the decisions made during the 2015, 2019 and 2023 elections had contributed to the conditions Nigerians were experiencing.
He urged voters to assess prospective leaders based on their qualities and ability to make decisions in the public interest, adding that effective leadership required discipline and courage.
He also called on ADC members to build a united and disciplined organisation capable of presenting its programmes to Nigerians.
The party’s Edo State Chairman, Chief Tony Alile, said the town hall meeting was part of the ADC’s engagement with voters ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Alile listed economic hardship, unemployment, insecurity, declining purchasing power and infrastructure deficits among the challenges requiring responsive leadership.
An ADC chieftain and former Edo governorship aspirant, Ken Imasuagbon, expressed support for the party’s presidential candidate and Amaechi, describing the latter as “our son”.
He also called for peaceful elections, urging political actors and voters to resolve disagreements through dialogue and the ballot.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the meeting featured the presentation of ADC candidates for elective positions in Edo State and discussions on economic hardship, education, women’s participation in politics, electoral reforms, governance, infrastructure and the proposed Gelegele seaport.
NAN
Discussion0