By Williams Danjuma, Gombe
Commercial motorcycle and tricycle operators in Gombe State have enjoyed free fuel on 1st October, 2026 as part of ongoing community support by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Governorship candidate in Gombe State, Bala Bello Tinka.
Bala Tinka announced that the offer will continue if elected Governor in 2027. He spoke during an interview with a local radio station in Gombe which was monitored by our correspondent.
According to him, the gesture was aimed at cushioning the effect of fuel subsidy removal on the masses.
The free fuel was dispensed on October 1st from 6am to 6pm, across some selected filling stations in the State capital.
Tinka said, “On October 1st, from 6am to 6pm, Okada rider and Keke Napep operators got fuel free of charge at our designated filling stations and this is our little way of celebrating with Nigerians and reducing their suffering”.
Tinka stated that commercial transport operators were the worst hit by the removal of fuel subsidy, noting that the intervention helped them celebrate the independence anniversary without worrying about fuel cost for a day.
“If elected Governor I will continue with the free fuel as palliatives to commercial motorcycle and tricycle operators, to cushion the harsh economic condition people are going through.
The ADC candidate used the interview to unveil some of his key policy plans if elected Governor of the State come 2027.
He pledged to introduce free healthcare services for children under five years and elders above 70-years, if given the mandate.
“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 miserably,” he said.
He also promised to procure fertilizer from local wholesalers in the State rather than directly from manufacturers, thus, changing the current system of procurement in the State.
“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 stated, adding that the policy would empower local agro-dealers and create more jobs in the agricultural value chain.
He also vowed to patronize indigenous contractors for Government projects, stating that, “only jobs requiring high technical expertise not available locally would be given to outsiders.
“We have competent engineers, builders and contractors in Gombe. We will patronize them to help our local experts grow. We will only go outside when it is absolutely necessary,” he declared.
On the lingering water scarcity in Gombe metropolis and other parts of the state, the ADC candidate promised to tackle the problem from the root.
He said his Government would commission a comprehensive study to identify the root cause of the perennial water shortage and bring it to a permanent end.
“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 assured.
Tinka therefore called on the people of Gombe State to support the ADC in the 2027 general elections, promising an all-inclusive Government that will prioritize the welfare of the common man.
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