The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has promised to lower the cost of living and reverse the current fuel subsidy policy if elected in 2027. The party’s vice-presidential candidate, Rotimi Amaechi, announced the proposals during a town hall meeting in Benin, Edo State.
Amaechi, a former Rivers State governor and transportation minister, said the proposed policies would support domestic fuel production. He added that lower petrol prices could reduce transportation costs and ease the financial pressure on Nigerian households.
Amaechi Links Fuel Costs to Rising Prices
Amaechi said reducing transportation expenses could also lower the prices of goods and services. According to him, cheaper movement of people and goods would help ease the economic burden on households.
However, he acknowledged that poverty would not disappear overnight. He said sustained economic policies and expanded opportunities could gradually improve living conditions for Nigerians.
The ADC candidate also pledged to expand access to education by providing more schools. He said the party would pursue electoral reforms to strengthen the voting process and restore public confidence in elections.
ADC Candidate Calls for Voter Participation in 2027
Amaechi urged Nigerians to participate actively in the 2027 general elections. He said voters had a responsibility to determine the country’s political direction through their choices at the polls.
He also encouraged voters to remain engaged beyond election day. According to Amaechi, citizens must take responsibility for pursuing the changes they want to see in the country.
Addressing residents of Edo State, he promised that an ADC-led government would allow them to choose their governor freely. He said the party would oppose situations in which political leaders were imposed on voters.
Amaechi Raises Concerns Over Major Roads
The former transportation minister also expressed concern about the condition of major roads linking Edo State to other parts of Nigeria. He specifically mentioned the Lagos–Benin, Abuja–Benin and East–Benin routes.
Amaechi said improving these roads would make it easier to transport people and goods. He added that better road infrastructure could support commercial activities and economic growth across the country.
His comments placed infrastructure development among the issues discussed at the town hall. Participants also raised questions about economic hardship, governance and other development priorities.
Amaechi Questions Suitability of Gelegele Seaport Location
Amaechi also addressed a question about the proposed Gelegele seaport in Edo State. He said the project had been brought to his attention while he served as minister of transportation.
However, he raised concerns about the water depth at the proposed location. Amaechi put the depth at approximately seven metres and said larger vessels would require about 18 metres.
He argued that the difference could pose a major challenge for the project. Based on his assessment, the location might not accommodate the vessels envisaged for the proposed seaport.
Odigie-Oyegun Urges Nigerians to Reflect on Past Elections
Also speaking at the meeting, former Edo State governor and ADC national leader John Odigie-Oyegun urged Nigerians to reflect on previous electoral choices. He said the 2027 general elections would provide another opportunity for citizens to assess the direction of national leadership.
Odigie-Oyegun, who chairs the party’s Policy and Manifesto Committee, referred to the elections held in 2015, 2019 and 2023. He argued that Nigerians should consider the consequences of their political decisions when choosing their next leaders.
The former governor said effective leadership required discipline, courage and decisions that served the public interest. He also urged party members to build a united and disciplined organisation ahead of the elections.
According to him, the party must communicate its programmes clearly to Nigerians. He said internal cooperation would help members prepare for the political contest in 2027.
ADC Edo Chairman Highlights Economic Challenges
The Edo State chairman of the ADC, Tony Alile, said the town hall demonstrated the party’s commitment to engaging residents ahead of the next general elections.
Alile listed economic hardship, unemployment, insecurity and declining purchasing power among Nigeria’s major challenges. He also identified infrastructure deficits as an issue requiring responsive leadership.
He said the country needed approaches that addressed these problems and responded to citizens’ concerns. The meeting provided an opportunity for residents to raise questions about the economy and public services.
Imasuagbon Calls for Peaceful Elections
ADC chieftain and former Edo governorship aspirant Ken Imasuagbon also expressed support for the party’s presidential and vice-presidential candidates. He described Amaechi as “our son” while expressing confidence in the party’s leadership.
Imasuagbon called for peaceful and violence-free elections in 2027. He urged political actors and voters to resolve disagreements through dialogue and the ballot rather than violence.
The town hall also featured the presentation of ADC candidates for various elective positions ahead of the 2027 general elections in Edo State.
Youth participation formed part of the gathering, alongside interactive discussions on economic hardship, education and women’s involvement in politics. Participants also discussed electoral reforms, governance, infrastructure and the proposed Gelegele seaport.
The News Agency of Nigeria reported the event and its discussions. The policy promises outlined by Amaechi and other party leaders remain proposals ahead of the 2027 elections.
