By Hajara Usman
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) Governorship candidate in Gombe state, Bala Tinka, has announced a one-day free fuel scheme for commercial motorcycle and tricycle operators in the state.
Tinka said the initiative was designed to ease the financial pressure faced by transport operators following the removal of the fuel subsidy.
Speaking during an interview with a local radio station in gombe, monitored by our correspondent, the candidate said eligible okada and keke napep operators would receive free petrol between 6am and 6pm on 1 october 2026.
He said the fuel would be distributed at designated filling stations in the state capital.
“On october 1st, from 6am to 6pm, 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.
Tinka described commercial transport operators as some of those bearing the brunt of the removal of the fuel subsidy, adding that the gesture would allow them to mark nigeria’s independence day without having to shoulder fuel expenses for the day.
He further promised that, if elected governor in 2027, his administration would sustain similar support programmes for commercial motorcycle and tricycle operators as part of measures to address economic hardship.
Beyond the fuel initiative, Tinka outlined several policy proposals which he said would form part of his administration’s agenda if elected.
He promised free healthcare for children below the age of five and residents aged over 70, saying financial difficulties should not prevent vulnerable residents from accessing medical treatment.
“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.
On agriculture, the ADC candidate said he would overhaul the state’s approach to fertiliser procurement by sourcing supplies from local wholesalers rather than purchasing directly from manufacturers.
According to him, such an arrangement would ensure that government expenditure remains within the state, while supporting local agro-dealers and generating employment.
“If we buy from local wholesalers, the money will stay in Gombe, it will circulate among our people and boost our local economy.
He also pledged to give preference to indigenous contractors in the award of government projects.
Tinka said contractors and professionals based in Gombe would be given opportunities to participate in public projects, while external contractors would only be considered where the required expertise was not available 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 said.
The governorship candidate also addressed the recurring water shortage affecting gombe metropolis and other parts of the state.
He said a future administration under his leadership would undertake a comprehensive assessment of the water system to establish the underlying causes of the problem before implementing 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 urged residents to support the adc in the 2027 general elections, promising to run an inclusive administration focused on improving the welfare of the people.
