Gombe ADC candidate promises free fuel for commercial transport operators

The African Democratic Congress governorship candidate in Gombe State, Bala-Bello Tinka, has promised free fuel for commercial motorcycle and tricycle operators if elected governor in 2027. Tinka made the promise during an interview with a local radio station in Gombe, monitored by the source newspaper on Thursday. He said the proposal would be part of measures to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal.

He also announced a one-day free fuel distribution for commercial transport operators to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence anniversary. He said Okada riders and Keke Napep operators could collect fuel at designated filling stations in Gombe from 6am to 6pm on October 1, 2026. Tinka said the operators were among those most affected by the subsidy removal.

He promised to sustain the initiative as a palliative programme if elected. The candidate also proposed free medical treatment for children under five and residents above 70. On agriculture, he said a future administration would buy fertiliser from local wholesalers rather than directly from manufacturers, arguing that this would keep more money circulating in Gombe.

He further promised to prioritise indigenous contractors for government projects, except where specialist expertise was unavailable locally. On water shortages, he said he would commission a study into the causes and seek a permanent solution rather than rely on temporary interventions. The promises were campaign pledges and were not accompanied in the source material by costings or implementation details.