“Tinubu’s Plan To Reduce Fuel Price Is Temporal And Evaporative, It Is Simply Vote Buying–Melaye

Former Kogi West senator and African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain, Dino Melaye, has criticised President Bola Tinubu over a proposed reduction in petrol prices, alleging that the move is intended to influence voters ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

According to a report by Daily Post published on Saturday, October 10, 2026, Melaye made his position known in a post on his official X account, where he questioned the timing and sustainability of the proposed measure.

He argued that the anticipated reduction would provide only temporary relief and accused the president of pursuing political interests through the policy.

In expressing his criticism, the former lawmaker compared Tinubu to former Ugandan leader Idi Amin, a controversial figure whose rule from 1971 to 1979 was marked by authoritarianism and widespread human rights abuses.

Melaye’s comparison reflected the strength of his opposition to the Nigerian president, although it represented his personal political assessment rather than evidence that the two leaders share similar governing practices.

The ADC chieftain maintained that the planned adjustment in fuel prices should not automatically be regarded as a lasting solution to the economic difficulties confronting Nigerians.

Instead, he suggested that the move was designed to improve the president’s political standing as preparations for the next general election continue.

In his post, Melaye described the proposed reduction as short-lived and accused the administration of attempting to gain electoral advantage by offering relief to voters before the election.

“Tinubu’s plan to reduce fuel price is temporal and evaporative. It is simply vote buying,” he wrote.

His remarks come amid continuing public debate over petrol prices, inflation and the rising cost of living, which have placed considerable pressure on households and businesses across the country.

Fuel prices remain a significant concern for Nigerians because of their influence on transportation fares, the distribution of food and other essential goods, and the cost of operating businesses. Changes in petrol prices can therefore affect household budgets and the wider economy.

For many citizens, a reduction in fuel prices could offer some relief from these expenses. However, questions about the duration of such relief and its wider economic implications remain important considerations in discussions about fuel pricing.

Melaye’s criticism centres on the belief that the proposed reduction would be temporary and politically motivated. By describing the measure as vote-buying, he suggested that the administration was seeking to win public support through a policy announcement ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

However, his post did not provide independent evidence establishing that the proposed price reduction was specifically designed to influence voters. His allegation therefore remains a political criticism of the administration’s intentions.

The comparison with Idi Amin also added a more confrontational dimension to Melaye’s remarks. Amin’s government became internationally notorious for repression and serious human rights violations, making references to his leadership particularly strong expressions of political disapproval.

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