Guber candidate offers free fuel to Okada, Keke operators in Gombe

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Gombe State, Bala Tinka, provided free fuel to commercial motorcycle and tricycle operators as part of activities marking Nigeria’s Independence Day.

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The one-day intervention, which was scheduled from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday, was implemented at designated filling stations in Gombe metropolis.

Mr Tinka had announced the initiative during an interview with a local radio station in Gombe monitored by our correspondent.

He said the gesture was intended to ease the financial burden on commercial transport operators, who he said had been affected by the rising cost of petrol.

“On October 1st, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., any Okada rider and Keke Napep operator should go to our designated filling stations and collect fuel free of charge,” Mr Tinka said.

He described the intervention as a modest way of joining Nigerians in celebrating Independence Day while providing relief to people struggling with increased transportation and fuel costs.

The ADC candidate also said the initiative could become part of a broader palliative programme if he is elected.

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Beyond the fuel intervention, Mr Tinka outlined a number of policy proposals covering healthcare, agriculture, local contracting and water supply.

He promised free healthcare for children below five years and elderly people aged 70 and above, saying inability to pay medical bills should not prevent vulnerable residents from accessing 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,” he said.

On agriculture, Mr Tinka said a future ADC administration would review the procurement and distribution of fertiliser, with greater emphasis on local wholesalers and agro-dealers.

He argued that purchasing agricultural inputs from businesses operating within the state would keep more money in Gombe and stimulate economic activity.

“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,” he said.

The businessman also pledged to give qualified indigenous contractors greater opportunities in the execution of government projects.

According to him, contracts requiring specialised expertise not available in Gombe could still be awarded outside the state, but competent local professionals would receive preference where they have the capacity to deliver.

“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.

On the persistent water shortages affecting parts of Gombe metropolis and other communities, Mr Tinka said his administration would pursue what he described as a lasting solution rather than relying on temporary measures.

He proposed a comprehensive assessment of the causes of the water crisis before implementing measures to address the problem.

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“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.

Mr Tinka emerged as the ADC governorship candidate for the 2027 election after the party’s primary held in May 2026.

He subsequently called on residents of Gombe State to support the ADC, promising an inclusive administration focused on improving the welfare of citizens if elected.