Former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi has promised that an African Democratic Congress (ADC)-led Federal Government would reduce the cost of living and reverse the current fuel subsidy policy if the party wins the 2027 general elections.
Amaechi, the ADC vice-presidential candidate, made the pledge on Thursday during the party’s town hall meeting in Benin City, Edo State.
He said the party intended to support domestic fuel production and reduce petrol prices, a move he argued would lower transportation costs and ease the financial pressure on Nigerians.
According to Amaechi, cheaper transportation would also help bring down the prices of goods and services, reducing the burden on households struggling with rising living expenses.
He acknowledged that poverty would not disappear overnight but maintained that it could gradually decline through policies aimed at improving the economy and creating more opportunities for Nigerians.
Amaechi Promises More Schools, Electoral Reforms
Beyond economic policies, Amaechi said an ADC administration would expand access to education by providing more schools across the country.
He also promised electoral reforms designed to strengthen the voting process and rebuild public confidence in elections.
Addressing residents of Edo State, the former transportation minister assured them that an ADC government would allow voters to freely choose their governor rather than have a leader imposed on them.
Amaechi urged Nigerians to take the 2027 elections seriously, stressing that citizens had a responsibility to determine the country’s future through their votes.
He warned against political apathy, encouraging voters to participate actively in the electoral process rather than stay away from polling stations.
ADC Candidate Raises Concern Over Major Roads
Amaechi also expressed concern about the poor condition of major roads connecting Edo State to other parts of Nigeria.
He specifically mentioned the Lagos-Benin, Abuja-Benin and East-Benin routes, saying their improvement would make it easier to transport people and goods while supporting economic activities.
On the proposed Gelegele seaport project in Edo State, Amaechi said the plan had been brought to his attention when he served as minister of transportation.
However, he raised concerns about the water depth at the proposed location, which he estimated at approximately seven metres.
According to Amaechi, a depth of about 18 metres would be needed to accommodate the vessels intended to use the port, presenting a major challenge for the project.
Odigie-Oyegun Urges Nigerians to Rethink Political Choices
Also speaking at the meeting, former Edo State Governor and ADC national leader John Odigie-Oyegun urged Nigerians to reflect on their previous political decisions ahead of the 2027 elections.
Odigie-Oyegun, who chairs the party’s Policy and Manifesto Committee, said the choices made during the 2015, 2019 and 2023 elections had produced consequences Nigerians were now experiencing.
He called on voters to carefully assess the qualities required in national leadership before making their next decision at the polls.
According to him, effective leadership requires discipline, courage and the willingness to make decisions in the public interest.
He also urged ADC members and supporters to build a united and disciplined political organisation capable of presenting its policies and programmes convincingly to Nigerians.
ADC Leaders Address Economic Hardship, Insecurity
The Edo State Chairman of the ADC, Tony Alile, said the town hall meeting demonstrated the party’s commitment to engaging with residents ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Alile identified economic hardship, unemployment, insecurity, declining purchasing power and inadequate infrastructure as some of the challenges facing Nigeria.
He said these problems required responsive leadership capable of addressing the concerns of ordinary citizens.
Meanwhile, ADC chieftain and former Edo governorship aspirant Ken Imasuagbon expressed support for the party’s presidential candidate and running mate, describing Amaechi as “our son”.
Imasuagbon also called for peaceful elections, urging politicians and voters to settle disagreements through dialogue and the ballot rather than violence.
The town hall meeting included the presentation of ADC candidates for various elective positions ahead of the 2027 elections in Edo State.
It also featured discussions on economic hardship, education, women’s participation in politics, electoral reforms, governance, infrastructure and the proposed Gelegele seaport.
Source: News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)
