One Of Them Said I’m Going To Make Petrol N200, N300, It Is Not Possible, He Is Just Lying–Bashiru

The National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibola Basiru, has questioned former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar’s capacity to address Nigeria’s economic challenges, insisting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is making efforts to improve the country’s economic situation.

Basiru also predicted that Nigerians would reject Atiku’s presidential ambition in the 2027 general elections, expressing confidence that the ruling party would retain its position despite the opposition’s efforts to challenge its political dominance.

According to a report by Vanguard on Thursday, October 22, 2026, the APC national secretary made the remarks during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday, where he discussed Atiku’s anticipated participation in the next presidential election and the possible implications for the ruling party.

During the interview, Basiru dismissed concerns that Atiku could pose a serious electoral threat to the APC, describing the former vice-president’s renewed presidential ambition as another attempt to secure the country’s highest political office.

He expressed the belief that Nigerian voters would not give Atiku the mandate he seeks in 2027, arguing that the former presidential candidate had not demonstrated the ability to provide the solutions required to address the country’s economic difficulties.

Basiru also sought to link Atiku to the economic problems confronting Nigeria, suggesting that the former vice-president was among the political figures whose past contributions and decisions were connected to the challenges the Tinubu administration is currently attempting to resolve.

The APC official maintained that Tinubu was taking steps to address the country’s economic difficulties and argued that Nigerians should assess political leaders based on the practicality of their proposals rather than promises made during election campaigns.

He further criticised opposition politicians who have pledged to reduce the price of petrol significantly if elected into office, questioning whether such promises could realistically be implemented under the prevailing economic conditions.

According to Basiru, political candidates should be prepared to explain how they intend to achieve their campaign promises instead of making attractive declarations simply to win the support of voters.

He argued that unrealistic promises about petrol prices could mislead Nigerians who are already struggling with the high cost of living and hoping for meaningful economic relief.

Basiru particularly challenged claims by politicians who have reportedly promised to bring petrol prices down to between ₦200 and ₦300 per litre. He insisted that such assurances were unrealistic without a credible economic plan to support them.

In his words, “You see, some of these people can just come to make statements. I learnt one of them said I’m going to make petrol 200 naira, 300 naira. It is not possible, he is just lying. You must not lie to people because you want to get their votes. You must even say something that is even realistic.”

The APC national secretary maintained that candidates seeking public office have a responsibility to communicate honestly with Nigerians about the country’s economic realities. He suggested that voters should be wary of campaign promises that are not backed by clear policies or workable strategies.

His comments come as political parties and presidential hopefuls begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 general elections, with economic management expected to remain a major issue in the contest.

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