ADC Gov Candidate Promises Free Fuel For Motorcycle Riders If Elected
The governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress in Gombe State, Bala-Bello Tinka, has promised to provide free fuel to commercial motorcycle and tricycle operators if elected governor in the 2027 election.
Tinka made the promise during an interview with a local radio station in Gombe on Thursday.
He said the proposed initiative would be part of his administration’s measures to reduce the economic hardship faced by commercial transport operators following the removal of the fuel subsidy.
As part of his immediate intervention, Tinka also announced a one-day free fuel distribution for commercial motorcycle and tricycle operators in Gombe to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence anniversary.
He said the operators would be able to collect the fuel at designated filling stations across the state between 6am and 6pm on October 1, 2026.
“On October 1st, from 6 am to 6 pm, any Okada rider and Keke Napep operator should go to our designated filling stations and collect fuel free of charge. This is our little way of celebrating with Nigerians and reducing their suffering,” he said.
Tinka explained that commercial transport operators had been among those severely affected by the removal of the fuel subsidy, noting that the gesture would allow them to mark the Independence anniversary without having to spend money on fuel for the day.
He further promised that the free-fuel initiative would be sustained if he emerged governor, describing it as part of the palliatives his administration would provide for commercial motorcycle and tricycle operators.
Beyond the fuel intervention, the ADC candidate outlined other policies he said would guide his administration if elected.
Tinka promised free medical treatment for children below five years and residents above 70 years.
He said the policy would ensure that children and elderly residents were not denied medical care because of their inability to pay hospital bills.
“We will provide free healthcare for our children under the age of five and for our elderly parents. No child should die because the parents cannot afford hospital bills, and no old person should be left to die,” he said.
On agriculture, Tinka proposed a different approach to fertiliser procurement, saying his administration would source the commodity from local wholesalers instead of purchasing directly from manufacturers.
He said the arrangement would ensure that money spent on fertiliser remained within Gombe and circulated among local businesses.
“If we buy from local wholesalers, the money will stay in Gombe, it will circulate among our people and boost our local economy. That is how to grow Gombe,” Tinka stated.
According to him, the policy would also strengthen local agro-dealers and create employment opportunities within the agricultural value chain.
Tinka also pledged to give preference to indigenous contractors in the execution of government projects.
He said contractors from outside the state would only be engaged when the required technical expertise was unavailable in Gombe.
“We have competent engineers, builders and contractors in Gombe. We will patronise them to help our local experts grow. We will only go outside when it is absolutely necessary,” he declared.
The ADC candidate also addressed the recurring water shortage in Gombe metropolis and other parts of the state.
He promised that his administration would pursue a permanent solution to the problem instead of relying on temporary measures.
Tinka said a comprehensive study would be commissioned to determine the root causes of the water crisis and provide a lasting solution.
“Water is life, but our people have suffered for too long without water. We will not do temporary fixes. We will identify the root cause and bring an end to this perennial water scarcity in Gombe,” he assured.
He subsequently called on Gombe residents to support the ADC in the 2027 general elections, promising an inclusive administration focused on the welfare of the people.
