The Wike-led PDP presidential candidate has praised Tinubu’s economic policies

A presidential candidate from the faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) loyal to Nyesome Wike, Sandy Onor has supported the removal of fuel subsidies by President Bola Tinubu, describing it as a bold move that releases funds for national development.

Onor, who was the only presidential candidate vetted on Thursday ahead of the 2027 general election, alongside 25 gubernatorial candidates drawn from 17 states across the country, spoke after his vetting.

He noted that greater accountability is needed to ensure Nigerians feel the impact of the policy.

Onor said he was not among the opposition politicians who condemn every action of the current government, and stressed that honesty demands recognition of some of the President’s achievements.

Tinubu, who took office on May 29, 2023, announced the elimination of fuel subsidies and then implemented the policy by ending the trillions of naira payments that the Federal Government had long made to keep petrol prices low for Nigerians.

However, many Nigerians continue to demand accountability regarding the use of savings from the elimination of subsidies.

In response, the Presidency stated that the policy had significantly increased monthly federal allocations to states.

Responding, the PDP’s sole presidential candidate argued that although the funds generated from the removal of subsidies are enormous, those entrusted with managing and distributing these resources have failed to ensure that the benefits are enjoyed by the general public in Nigeria, especially at the grassroots level.

He stated, “In terms of my assessment of the President’s administration, to be honest with you, I am not one of those people who, because you are in the opposition, will condemn everything the President has done.

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“It’s not intellectually correct. It’s not even socially and politically correct. If you want people to believe you, then you have to be seen to be telling the truth.

“So there are some things that the President has done that are very commendable, and I will praise the President for those things. And when he doesn’t do well, I will say so and tell Nigerians that I will do better.

“Nigerians generally agree that subsidies are a problem and a bastion of corruption. This president came in on his first day in office, abolished subsidies and spent a lot of money on development.

“I believe that the disbursement of these funds is an achievement, and ensuring that these funds circulate to the community and have meaning is another thing.

“I think those at the bottom (downline) have not acted fairly regarding the amount of funds released from the elimination of subsidies.

“I will ensure that accountability at the grassroots level is maintained, and that our communities feel the positive impact of eliminating subsidies.”

Speaking about insecurity, Onor said one of the underlying problems driving this is poverty at the grassroots.

“We must find ways and means to ensure that our youth across Nigeria are meaningfully engaged. One way to achieve this is by properly funding local governments,” he said.

Onor expressed concern that, although the Supreme Court decision had granted autonomy to regional governments, funds had still not been distributed to third-level governments.

“And once again, let me make my point. This president dared to go to the Supreme Court and ask that regional government autonomy be guaranteed. The Supreme Court said yes. It makes sense. Funds must go directly to regional governments.

“But as I speak to you, the fund is still being ambushed by most state governments. This is wrong.

“If there is a regional government that is not well funded, there will be many regions without government. There is no region in this country that is not part of regional government.

“If local governments were well funded, they would activate their security institutions. Traditional rulers would be well served. People who take the law into their own hands would be well funded. Before these militants and robbers incubate and consolidate, they would have gotten rid of them.

“I will ensure that local governments receive adequate funding. And I will ensure that youth unemployment is addressed. Young people must be involved in a meaningful way,” he said.

Onor said that with his experience in the executive and legislative branches, having served as a senator and also in the executive branch, he has a comprehensive understanding of how government works.

Onor stated, “I know the limitations of the government, and I am ready and willing to make corrections if necessary and take Nigeria to the level we aspire to.

“So I don’t care at all whether we have governors in the PDP at the moment or not. Some of these governors are even a problem for us. It’s good that they are out.”

He expressed confidence that the campaign would be focused on grassroots groups, and added that society yearns for change.

“We understand where they are. We know what they are going through. We will speak their language, and they will understand us.

“I’m confident that the vast majority of people across this country will vote for us. The governors didn’t vote for us. They won’t vote for us.”

“If I am not ready in this race to win, I will not waste my time. We are in this race to win. And we believe the PDP vehicle is solid enough,” he added.