From Abubakar Rabilu, Gombe
The governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Gombe State, Bala Bello Tinka, has promised to sustain free fuel for commercial transport operators and provide free healthcare for children under five and elderly people aged 70 and above if elected governor in 2027.
Tinka made the pledge after providing free fuel to commercial motorcycle and tricycle operators at selected filling stations in Gombe metropolis as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
The exercise, held from 6am to 6pm on October 1, was aimed at easing the impact of rising fuel prices on transport operators and residents struggling with increasing transportation costs.
Speaking in an interview with a local radio station monitored by our correspondent, Tinka said the initiative was part of his efforts to support commercial transport operators and reduce the economic burden on residents.
He said he would sustain the programme if elected, adding that his administration would introduce policies to address the economic challenges facing the people.
The ADC candidate also pledged to provide free healthcare for children below five years and elderly residents aged 70 and above, saying no vulnerable person should be denied medical attention because of financial difficulties.
“No child should die because the parents cannot afford hospital bills, and no old person should be left to die,” he said.
On agriculture, Tinka said his administration would prioritise indigenous fertiliser dealers in government procurement to strengthen local businesses, retain public funds within the state and create employment opportunities.
He also promised to give preference to indigenous contractors in awarding government projects, saying contractors from outside the state would only be engaged when the required technical expertise was unavailable locally.
Addressing the persistent water shortage in Gombe metropolis and other parts of the state, the candidate said he would commission a comprehensive study to identify the causes of the problem and develop sustainable solutions.
He said his proposed administration would prioritise residents’ welfare, improve access to essential services and promote inclusive governance through policies aimed at tackling the state’s socioeconomic challenges.
Tinka urged residents to support the ADC in the 2027 general election, saying his proposed programmes were designed to ease economic hardship, improve healthcare delivery and strengthen local businesses.