The Federal Government has dismissed claims that its proposed 30-day petrol discount is aimed at securing votes for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections.

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, made the clarification on Friday during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today.

Oyedele argued that the initiative was intended to provide relief to Nigerians, dismissing suggestions that it was an electoral strategy.

The Federal Government had earlier announced a 30-day discount on petrol dispensed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

Some opposition figures had criticised the move, alleging that the government intended to use the discount to win public support ahead of next year’s elections.

Responding to the allegations, Oyedele questioned the logic of offering a one-month discount to influence an election scheduled for 2027.

“I think that there are some politicians who think that Nigerians are stupid. Election is in January, this discount is for one month. Are we that dumb that we will give you a discount for one month so that you can vote for us in January? How does it even add up?” he said.

The minister urged politicians to respect Nigerians’ ability to assess government policies and make informed decisions.

He also defended the initiative, noting that NNPCL is government-owned and arguing that limiting the discount to the company’s profit was a way of helping citizens.

“What is wrong in saying give people a discount limited to your profit? Aren’t we trying to help the Nigerian people?” Oyedele asked.

He further questioned why the timing of the initiative should determine whether it was appropriate, adding that the government had introduced or was considering 17 measures, of which the petrol discount was only one.