The Association of Former Presidential Candidates of Nigeria (AFPCN) has demanded that President Bola Tinubu reverse the removal of fuel subsidy, saying Nigerians have suffered enough from rising prices of food, transportation and essential services.
The association made the demand during a press conference on the state of the nation in Abuja on Tuesday, where it also questioned the impact of increased government revenue on the lives of ordinary Nigerians.
Speaking at the briefing, chairman of the association Dr Onwubuya Abraham Breakforth said the government could not continue to report increased revenue while citizens struggle with worsening living conditions.
Breakforth said the revenue generated by the Federal Government must be channelled towards reducing the hardship confronting Nigerians.
The association also called on Tinubu to introduce measures to reduce the cost of food and essential services, arguing that increased revenue should translate into tangible relief for citizens.
AFPCN further demanded the immediate restoration of fuel subsidy, saying the rising pump price of petrol has worsened the cost of transportation and contributed to higher food prices.
Dr Moses Ayibiowu, Director-General of the association, said government could not continue to declare increase revenue generation while Nigerians were struggling to survive.
He said petrol prices, which continue to fluctuate, have placed additional pressure on households and businesses.
Ayibiowu urged the Federal Government to intervene and bring down the pump price to a level that ordinary Nigerians can afford.
“We are advocating that the federal government must reverse the fuel pump price. Nigerians are suffering because fuel affects food, market women and everything,” he said.
The association also urged the government to explore measures to make food more affordable, including importing food from countries where prices are lower if necessary.
AFPCN said Nigerians were already bearing the consequences of the rising cost of living and warned that government revenue would serve little purpose if it did not improve the welfare of citizens.
The association also raised concerns over insecurity and electoral violence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
It cited reported killings during the recent Osun governorship election and called on security agencies to investigate and prosecute those responsible.
Robinson Akpua, another member of the association, said the police, Department of State Services and other security agencies must act against perpetrators of electoral violence.
He said failure to bring those responsible to justice could encourage further violence during the 2027 elections.
AFPCN also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to work closely with security agencies to prevent violence and ensure that elections are conducted in a peaceful atmosphere.
The association urged political parties and candidates to focus on issue-based campaigns and control their supporters to prevent violence before, during and after elections.
AFPCN said it was neither an anti-government nor a pro-government platform, describing itself as a pro-masses association committed to promoting good governance, peace, national unity and development.
The former presidential candidates also urged the Federal Government to release adequate funds to INEC ahead of the 2027 elections to prevent logistical challenges.
They called on the National Assembly to scrutinise INEC’s finances and ensure that funds meant for voter education and electoral preparations are properly utilised.
The association further appealed to INEC to maintain neutrality and provide a level playing field for all political parties and candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.
AFPCN said the loss of lives must never become the price Nigerians pay for participating in elections.
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