‘You’re wicked’: Nigerians mock Tinubu’s October 1 cheaper fuel promise as election-season gimmick

Nigerians on social media have reacted with fury and mockery to President Bola Tinubu’s promise of cheaper fuel and transportation costs by October 1, accusing him of election-season desperation after three years of economic hardship following the removal of petrol subsidy in May 2023.

As reported by Peoples Gazette, Tinubu posted on X after a governors’ forum meeting: “From October 1, our goal is that Nigerians begin to partake in those savings through lower transport fares. We have agreed that cheaper fuel should result in cheaper fares!”

The reaction was swift and withering. Medical doctor @Oluwamisdunsin wrote: “You’re Mean! You’re Wicked. You Suffered Nigerians for over 3 years and few days to election you want to make an amendment?” Lawyer @Terzust added: “So after years of telling Nigerians to ‘endure’ while fuel and transport fares skyrocketed, Tinubu suddenly remembers with 2027 around the corner.”

Several commentators linked the announcement directly to ADC presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar’s recent pledge to restore fuel subsidy if elected, with @jrnaib2 writing: “Only now, after Atiku promised to restore the subsidy, do you suddenly remember that Nigerians need cheaper transport fares.”