No Fuel to Campaign

Seyi Makinde’s campaign suspension in Oyo paints a grim picture of Nigeria’s fuel scarcity and the elections just weeks away.

Written by Hillary Essien

Feb 5, 2023

No Fuel to Campaign. PREMIUM TIMES

On Friday, Oyo state governor, Seyi Makinde, suspended his re-election campaign over Nigeria’s double dilemma: arguably the country’s worst fuel scarcity run and a shortage of the naira following the central bank’s controversial redesign and recall.

In a statement through the state’s commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun, Makinde said his campaign was suspended in solidarity with the people.

According to the statement, Makinde:

directed that all campaign activities be suspended, noting that the people’s suffering was too much. The decision was taken because he was elected to protect the interests and well beings of citizens of the state. Makinde, who flagged off the Omi-Adio-Ido Road in an emotionally laden voice, also directed leaders of the party in the state to suspend further political activities.

The situation in Oyo belies the bigger question—is there enough fuel for Nigeria to carry out its general elections?

The Independent National Electoral Commission asked the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) the same question. On 03 February 2022, the commission’s chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, warned that it could affect the transportation of materials during the general elections. In response, the NNPC allayed the commission’s fears, saying there would be enough fuel for the commission’s proposed 100,000 vehicles and 4,000 boats.

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About the Author

Hillary Essien

was a Senior Associate Editor at The Republic.

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No Fuel to Campaign