Ex-Osun Legislator Challenges Atiku, Obi on 'Unrealistic' Campaign Pledges

Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, a former member of the Osun State House of Assembly, on Sunday cautioned two prominent opposition figures, ex-Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, against making campaign promises that could incite public unrest. In a statement released from Osogbo, the state capital, Oyintiloye expressed concern that both Atiku and Obi were offering impractical pledges to Nigerians in an attempt to garner votes.

He specifically highlighted the declaration by the two presidential candidates for the upcoming 2027 elections – Atiku, identified as representing the African Democratic Congress, and Obi, of the Nigeria Democratic Congress – to reinstate fuel subsidy if elected, labeling it as unfeasible. Oyintiloye maintained that all levels and arms of government have already adapted to the current non-subsidy operational framework.

He stated, "It is practically impossible to return Nigeria to the era of fuel subsidy. Alhaji Atiku and Mr Obi should be mindful of the implications of whatever promises they are making to get the attention of Nigerians." He also referenced the presidential candidate of the Peoples Redemption Party, Donald Duke, who pledged to fix petrol pump price at N300 per litre if he wins, questioning the realism of such a promise.

"I appeal to the opposition candidates to be truthful to themselves and stop deceiving Nigerians. The majority of their promises are nothing but a recipe for public chaos," the former lawmaker asserted. He further questioned the financial implications of restoring subsidies, asking, "Presently, salaries and wages are based on the post-subsidy removal earnings of the government. With the restoration of fuel subsidy that these candidates are promising, will wages and salaries be reviewed downward? What will be the earnings of states in the wake of fuel subsidy restoration? What becomes of several ongoing government projects awarded based on its current earnings? Nigerians are wiser."

Oyintiloye acknowledged that the removal of fuel subsidy and the foreign exchange reforms initiated by President Bola Tinubu's administration have necessitated significant fiscal adjustments, despite placing considerable strain on households and businesses. He, however, underscored the advantages of the subsidy removal, noting that the increased monthly allocations from the Federation Account have provided state governments with enhanced financial flexibility. This flexibility, he explained, allows states to meet their financial obligations, implement development projects, and address deficiencies in infrastructure and social services.

He implored opposition candidates to either support the Federal Government's ongoing efforts to revitalize the economy or devise alternative campaign strategies, rather than making pledges they cannot fulfill. Oyintiloye also urged state governors to demonstrate accountability by ensuring that increased revenues translate into tangible improvements such as better roads, enhanced healthcare services, stronger food production, timely payment of salaries and pensions, and more employment opportunities.

According to him, citizens expect visible improvements in their living conditions, not just a rise in government revenue without corresponding benefits at the grassroots level. He called on the Federal Government to persist in its efforts to alleviate the current economic hardship faced by vulnerable households, control inflationary pressures, expand job creation, and boost purchasing power. Finally, he encouraged Nigerians to assess the government's economic reforms impartially, expressing confidence that these measures will eventually yield positive outcomes for everyone.