The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has warned President Bola Tinubu against worsening the economic hardship faced by Nigerians following the rise in petrol prices to as much as N1,470 per litre.
The party said the increase was further driving up the cost of transportation, food, electricity, education and other essential goods and services.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC said the rising cost of living was pushing Nigerians towards their limits.
The party said every increase in petrol prices had a direct impact on households and businesses because of the country’s heavy dependence on fuel for transportation and power generation.
“Every increase in the price of petrol directly raises the cost of living because businesses and households depend on fuel for transportation, electricity and other daily activities. President Tinubu has turned the petrol pump into an instrument of punishment for everyday Nigerians,” the ADC said.
The party also expressed concern over reported increases in private school fees, saying some schools had raised their fees by between 30 and 40 per cent despite many parents receiving no corresponding increase in income.
According to the ADC, families are already struggling with rising food prices, rent, transportation and fuel costs, making it increasingly difficult for parents to meet their children’s educational needs.
However, the party said it did not blame school owners for the fee increases, noting that they were also dealing with higher electricity bills, taxes, fuel costs, rent and staff salaries.
It said the situation was forcing families to make difficult choices between feeding their children, paying school fees and meeting other basic needs.
The ADC added that businesses were also struggling with rising operating costs, with some finding it increasingly difficult to remain open.
“At N1,470 per litre, petrol is no longer simply a commodity. It is Tinubu Tax, which has made life unbearable for the majority,” the party said.
The ADC accused the Federal Government of demanding more sacrifices from Nigerians while public officials continued to enjoy what it described as extravagant lifestyles.
It said economic reforms should improve citizens’ living conditions rather than deepen poverty.
“A reform that continuously makes people poorer is not working,” the party said.
The opposition party said the 2027 general election would provide Nigerians with an opportunity to decide whether to retain the current economic policies or support its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.
The ADC reiterated Atiku’s pledge to reduce petrol prices through the restoration of subsidy to support domestic fuel production.
It argued that lower fuel costs would help reduce the prices of food, transportation and production.
The party also warned the Tinubu administration against interpreting Nigerians’ patience with the hardship as acceptance of the situation.
“Don’t push Nigerians to their limits,” the ADC warned.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
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