The Federal Government says its planned 30 day petrol discount is intended to provide relief to Nigerians, dismissing claims that the measure is designed to win votes for the ruling All Progressives Congress ahead of the 2027 general elections. The government argues that the limited duration of the offer does not support the allegation that it is an election strategy.

Minister of Finance, Taiwo Oyedele, gave the explanation on Friday during an interview on Politics Today. He questioned why a discount lasting just one month would be introduced to influence voters in an election scheduled for January, insisting that the government’s intention was to help citizens.

The discount, announced by the Federal Government, applies to petrol sold by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited for a period of 30 days. Oyedele said the state-owned oil company could offer customers a price reduction within the limits of its profit, describing the measure as a form of assistance to the public.

The announcement has, however, drawn criticism from opposition figures who argue that the timing raises questions about the government’s political intentions. Their concerns come as parties begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 elections, making the cost of living and fuel prices important issues in the political debate.

Oyedele rejected the suggestion that the government expected a temporary discount to determine how Nigerians would vote. He also urged politicians to recognise that voters could assess government decisions independently rather than assume that a short-term benefit would automatically translate into electoral support.

The finance minister further argued that the timing of a policy should not determine whether it is considered appropriate, asking why a measure intended to help Nigerians should be criticised simply because it was introduced before an election. He also referred to 17 measures the government had introduced or was considering, questioning why the fuel discount had attracted particular attention.

With the discount limited to 30 days, attention will turn to the actual price reduction available to consumers and whether the relief will be felt across the country. While the government maintains that the initiative is aimed at helping Nigerians, the debate over its timing and purpose is likely to continue as political parties prepare for the 2027 elections.