2027: Fuel will be free for Okada, Keke riders if am elected – Gombe ADC governorship candidate Tinka declares

The governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) 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 pledge during an interview with a local radio station in Gombe on Thursday, saying the initiative would form part of measures his administration would introduce to cushion the economic difficulties faced by commercial transport operators following the removal of the fuel subsidy.

As an immediate intervention, the ADC candidate also announced a one-day free fuel distribution for commercial motorcycle and tricycle operators in the state to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence anniversary.

According to him, Okada and Keke Napep operators would be able to collect fuel at designated filling stations across Gombe 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 said commercial transport operators were among those hardest hit by the removal of the fuel subsidy, adding that the gesture was intended to enable them to observe the Independence anniversary without spending money on fuel for the day.

He further pledged to sustain the free-fuel programme if elected governor, describing it as part of the palliatives his administration would introduce for commercial motorcycle and tricycle operators.

Tinka Promises Free Healthcare

Beyond the proposed fuel intervention, Tinka outlined several policies he said would form part of his administration’s development agenda if elected.

He promised free medical treatment for children below five years of age and residents above 70.

According to him, the policy would ensure that vulnerable residents were not denied access to healthcare because of their inability to pay medical 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.

Agriculture, Local Contractors

On agriculture, the ADC candidate proposed sourcing fertiliser from local wholesalers rather than purchasing directly from manufacturers.

He said the approach would help retain funds within Gombe State and ensure that money spent on agricultural inputs 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 said.

He added that the policy would strengthen local agro-dealers and create employment opportunities across the agricultural value chain.

Tinka also pledged to prioritise indigenous contractors in the execution of government projects.

He said contractors from outside the state would only be considered where the required technical expertise was unavailable locally.

“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.

Tinka Promises Permanent Solution to Water Crisis

The ADC candidate also addressed the recurring water shortage affecting Gombe metropolis and other parts of the state.

He promised to pursue a permanent solution to the problem rather than rely on temporary interventions.

Tinka said his administration would commission a comprehensive study to identify the root causes of the water crisis and develop 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 said.

Tinka subsequently appealed to residents of Gombe State to support the ADC in the 2027 general elections, promising an inclusive administration focused on the welfare and development of the people.

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