South-West Group Mekunnu Koya Queries Tinubu’s Fuel Price, Warns Of Looming ₦2500 Per Litre
South-West Group Mekunnu Koya Queries Tinubu’s Fuel Price, Warns Of Looming ₦2500 Per Litre
He also called on Nigerians to hold the Tinubu administration accountable for its economic policies and protect their votes ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Convener of the South-West group, Mẹkunnu Kọya, Comrade Wale Balogun, has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s 30-day petrol price intervention, warning that fuel prices could rise to between ₦2200 and ₦2500 per litre by December 2026.
Balogun described the Nigerian government’s intervention as contradictory, arguing that the administration could not deregulate the downstream petroleum sector while simultaneously introducing measures aimed at controlling petrol prices.
He also called on Nigerians to hold the Tinubu administration accountable for its economic policies and protect their votes ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The activist made the demands in a statement dated October 9 titled, “Tinubu’s Fuel Price Contradiction: Economic Injustice Must End, Nigerians Must Defend Their 2027 Votes.”
According to him, the government’s decision to introduce temporary relief after implementing policies that have increased economic hardship raises questions about the sustainability of its approach to petroleum pricing.
“A Tinubu government cannot approbate and reprobate at the same time. It is contradictory to deregulate the downstream petroleum sector while simultaneously attempting to control petrol prices,” he said.
The Tinubu government had announced a 30-day intervention under which the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited’s retail business would forgo its retail profit margin and sell petrol at cost.
The Presidency has maintained that the arrangement does not amount to a restoration of a blanket fuel subsidy.
However, Balogun argued that Nigerians deserved clear explanations about the intervention, particularly what would happen when the 30-day period expires.
Balogun expressed concerns over the possibility of petrol prices rising to between ₦2200 and ₦2500 per litre by December, saying the government must explain the factors determining fuel prices and how it intends to protect citizens from further economic hardship.
He argued that petroleum pricing should not be assessed in isolation from the cost of food, transportation, housing, healthcare and other essential needs.
The activist also faulted comparisons between petrol prices in Nigeria and other countries, insisting that such comparisons must account for differences in wages, purchasing power, social protection and living standards.
According to him, comparing fuel prices without considering citizens’ ability to afford them presents an incomplete picture of the economic burden on households.
He called for transparent petroleum pricing, accountability for government interventions and policies that prioritise the welfare of workers, traders, unemployed people and vulnerable households.
Balogun further referenced a televised interview in which Tinubu reportedly rejected the idea of price controls, arguing that the president’s position should be assessed alongside the administration’s current intervention.
He maintained that the government must explain the principles guiding its petroleum pricing policy and ensure that temporary relief does not become a substitute for sustainable economic measures.
The activist also called for greater scrutiny of Nigeria’s economic arrangements with France and the United States, particularly a tax cooperation memorandum with France and a September 2026 mineral investment pact with the US.
He said the agreements raised questions about Nigeria’s economic sovereignty, tax administration, control of mineral resources and the distribution of economic benefits.
According to Balogun, the government owes Nigerians transparency and accountability over international arrangements that could affect the country’s economic interests.
He also referenced the Federal Government’s valuation of Nigeria’s mineral resources at $700bn, arguing that the country’s natural wealth and tax system must serve the interests of its citizens.
The statement did not provide further details of the agreements or identify specific provisions that Balogun considered detrimental to Nigeria’s interests.
He nevertheless insisted that such arrangements should be evaluated against the country’s national interests and their potential impact on ordinary Nigerians.
Beyond economic issues, Balogun called on Nigerians to use the 2027 general elections to hold Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) accountable for their performance.
He urged citizens, political parties, civil society organisations and election observers to monitor the electoral process, document irregularities, report violations and pursue lawful remedies.
According to him, protecting the ballot should be a shared national responsibility before, during and after the elections.
Balogun also addressed Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum and other political figures whose public comments, he said, had raised concerns about possible electoral manipulation in 2027.
He warned politicians against attempting to undermine the will of voters through electoral fraud, intimidation or the imposition of illegitimate outcomes.
“No politician owns Nigeria’s democracy, and no political party has the right to subvert the people’s will through electoral rigging,” he said.
The convener called for an organised, peaceful and lawful response to any attempt to manipulate the electoral process.
He urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and insist that election results reflect the legitimate choices of voters.
Balogun argued that the struggle for economic welfare and the protection of democratic rights should be treated as interconnected responsibilities.
He maintained that Nigerians should neither surrender their economic future to policies they consider harmful nor allow their electoral mandates to be undermined.
The activist concluded his statement with a call for one person, one vote, urging citizens to protect the ballot and defend the people’s will.
His statement adds to the growing public debate over petrol prices, the cost of living and the economic consequences of the Nigerian government’s policies as political parties and other stakeholders prepare for the 2027 elections.
