The Downfall of the APC: Nigerians Will Not Vote APC in 2027 Due to Fuel Price Hikes and Economic Hardship.
By: Bala Salihu Dawakin kudu
( Northern Bureau Chief )
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has led Nigeria through turbulent times, with policies that have brought more suffering than relief to the average citizen. The latest fuel price hike, with Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) now selling for a staggering N1,030 per litre, is the final blow to the already strained patience of Nigerians. The harsh economic realities that have accompanied this price surge will undoubtedly seal APC’s fate in the 2027 general elections.
Nigerians initially welcomed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu into office with high hopes in May 2023. His promise of economic rejuvenation seemed like a breath of fresh air, but that optimism quickly faded. The removal of fuel subsidies on his first day in office caused fuel prices to spike from N185 per litre to N500, setting off a chain reaction that led to inflation, skyrocketing costs of essential goods, and unbearable living conditions for millions.
- Advertisement -
By the time the prices surged again to N897 per litre in September 2024, many Nigerians had already lost faith in the APC’s ability to deliver relief. The new hike to N1,030 per litre in October 2024 has pushed the country into deeper economic despair. This has driven many Nigerians to the edge, with businesses closing down, unemployment rising, and food prices becoming unaffordable for the average household. The ripple effect has resulted in a shrinking middle class, while the poor continue to suffer more.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) blames forex illiquidity and free market forces for these price hikes, but that explanation does little to alleviate the pain felt by millions of Nigerians. The upward adjustment of petroleum products has created a vicious cycle of inflation, further weakening the purchasing power of citizens and pushing more Nigerians into poverty.
While the government boasts of increasing the minimum wage from N30,000 to N70,000, this measure has proved to be nothing more than a band-aid solution. The wage hike pales in comparison to the rising cost of living, as prices of goods, transportation, and services have skyrocketed. The increase in fuel prices has rippled through the economy, affecting every sector from agriculture to transportation. With every increase, the cost of doing business has soared, making it harder for small businesses to survive and forcing many to shut down.
The APC government’s failure to implement sustainable economic solutions has driven many Nigerians to consider alternatives. The constant increases in fuel prices, coupled with poor governance, have left citizens disillusioned. Nigerians are tired of quick fixes and band-aid policies that do not address the root causes of the country’s economic woes. The people are demanding transparency in the pricing of fuel and a clear breakdown of costs, revenues, and profits related to the importation, refining, and distribution of petroleum products.
The 2027 elections are fast approaching, and it is clear that Nigerians will not forget the hardships they’ve endured under the APC government. President Tinubu and his administration have lost the trust of the people by prioritizing revenue generation over the welfare of citizens. The price hikes, the inflation, and the widespread poverty that followed will haunt the APC at the polls. The people are ready for change—real change, one that puts their needs first and doesn’t sacrifice their well-being for government profits.
The APC must recognize that its policies have failed the people. The fuel price hikes have pushed Nigerians to the brink, and the growing discontent will be expressed at the ballot box. If the current administration continues to ignore the plight of ordinary Nigerians, there will be no chance of the APC retaining power in 2027. The downfall of the APC is inevitable unless there is a drastic shift in policy that prioritizes the needs of the people over corporate profits and market forces.
Nigerians are calling for a government that listens to their cries, addresses their struggles, and offers lasting solutions to the economic challenges they face. Until then, the APC’s reign is nearing its end. The writing is on the wall: Nigerians will not vote APC in 2027.
Bala Salihu Dawakin kudu
Northern Bureau Chief, Democracy Newsline Newspaper. Email:- balasalihudawakinkudu@gmail.com +2348060017934
.
