I’ll withdraw as Atiku’s running mate if fuel hits ₦600 tomorrow – Amaechi

Former Rivers State governor and African Democratic Congress (ADC) vice-presidential candidate Rotimi Amaechi has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s administration over the cost of living, particularly the impact of fuel-price reforms on Nigerians.

Amaechi spoke on Friday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, where he challenged the Federal Government to demonstrate that the removal of petrol subsidy had translated into meaningful relief for citizens.

In a pointed remark during the programme, Amaechi said he would withdraw from the Atiku Abubakar-Amaechi ticket and campaign for Tinubu if petrol sold for ₦600 per litre the following day.

“Tomorrow, if you are doubtful, come with your camera tomorrow in the morning and I will go to a filling station and I will buy fuel,” Amaechi said.

He added that if the pump price fell to ₦600, he would personally abandon his role as Atiku’s running mate and support Tinubu.

The comments come as the cost of petrol remains a central issue in Nigeria’s economic and political debate following the Tinubu administration’s removal of the petrol subsidy in 2023.

The policy triggered a sharp increase in petrol prices and contributed to broader concerns over inflation and household purchasing power.

The government has, however, maintained that subsidy removal was necessary to reduce the financial burden on the Federal Government and redirect resources towards other areas of the economy.