The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has warned President Bola Tinubu against further pushing Nigerians into hardship following the increase in the price of petrol to as much as N1,470 per litre.
The party said the rising fuel price was making life more difficult for Nigerians, as the cost of transportation, food, electricity, education and other basic needs continued to increase.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, on Tuesday, the ADC said the country’s economic situation was pushing Nigerians close to their limits.
“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 party said.
The ADC also raised concerns over reports that some private schools had increased their fees by between 30 and 40 per cent, saying many parents had not seen a similar increase in their incomes.
It said parents were already struggling with the rising costs of food, rent, transportation, fuel and other necessities.
The party, however, said it did not blame school owners for the fee increases, noting that they were also facing higher electricity bills, taxes, fuel costs, rent and staff salaries.
According to the ADC, families were now being forced to make difficult choices between feeding their children, paying school fees and meeting other basic needs.
It said the hardship was also affecting businesses, with some struggling to remain open due to increasing operating costs.
“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 ordinary Nigerians while public officials continued to enjoy what it described as extravagant lifestyles.
It argued that economic reforms should improve the lives of citizens rather than make them poorer.
“A reform that continuously makes people poorer is not working,” the party said.
The ADC said the 2027 general election would give Nigerians an opportunity to decide whether to continue with the current economic policies or support its presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.
The party restated Atiku’s commitment to reducing the price of petrol through the return of subsidy to support domestic fuel production.
It said lower fuel costs would help reduce the prices of food, transportation and production.
The party warned the Tinubu administration not to mistake Nigerians’ patience for acceptance of the current situation.
“Don’t push Nigerians to their limits,” the ADC warned.
‘Don’t push Nigerians to their limits’ – ADC warns Tinubu on fuel increase