RismadarVoice Reporters
October 11, 2026
A former member of the Osun State House of Assembly, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, has cautioned opposition presidential hopefuls, including former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, against making campaign promises he considers economically unrealistic ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Oyintiloye, in a statement issued in Osogbo on Sunday, questioned proposals attributed to the opposition figures concerning the possible restoration of petrol subsidies, arguing that such policies would require a clear explanation of their financial implications.
He maintained that Nigeria’s public finances had undergone significant adjustments following the removal of petrol subsidies under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
According to the former lawmaker, reversing the policy without identifying sustainable funding sources could create fresh challenges for government expenditure, infrastructure development and revenue distribution.
Oyintiloye argued that the country’s current fiscal arrangements had been structured around the post-subsidy revenue system, making any proposed return to the previous arrangement a matter requiring careful consideration.
He also questioned a proposal attributed to former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke to reduce petrol prices to ₦300 per litre if elected president.
The former lawmaker challenged opposition candidates to explain how their proposed policies would be financed and implemented without undermining existing government obligations.
He raised concerns about the potential implications for workers’ salaries, state government allocations and ongoing public projects if significant public resources were redirected towards fuel subsidies.
Oyintiloye acknowledged that the removal of petrol subsidies and changes to Nigeria’s foreign exchange system had increased financial pressure on households and businesses.
However, he argued that the reforms had also contributed to higher revenue allocations to state governments, providing additional resources for public services and development programmes.
He urged state governors to ensure that increased allocations translated into measurable improvements in infrastructure, healthcare, agricultural production, employment opportunities and the regular payment of salaries and pensions.
The former lawmaker said Nigerians should experience practical benefits from government revenue increases rather than improvements being reflected only in official financial figures.
He also called on the Federal Government to strengthen measures aimed at reducing inflation, supporting vulnerable households, expanding employment and improving purchasing power.
While expressing support for the administration’s economic reforms, Oyintiloye urged opposition politicians to present detailed and financially sustainable alternatives to existing policies.
His remarks add to the debate over fuel pricing and subsidy policy ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with competing political figures outlining different approaches to addressing Nigeria’s cost-of-living challenges.
The feasibility and fiscal implications of the proposals remain subjects of political and economic debate.
