African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Gombe State, Bala Tinka, has provided free fuel to commercial motorcycle and tricycle operators in the state as part of activities marking Nigeria’s Independence Day.
The one-day intervention took place on Thursday, October 1, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. at designated filling stations across Gombe metropolis.
Tinka announced the initiative during an interview with a local radio station in Gombe, saying it was aimed at reducing the financial pressure faced by commercial transport operators amid rising petrol prices.
“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,” he said.
He described the initiative as a temporary measure to support transport operators and ease the impact of higher fuel and transportation costs.
Tinka also said a similar intervention could form part of a wider palliative programme if he is elected governor in 2027.
Beyond the fuel distribution, the ADC candidate outlined several policy proposals covering healthcare, agriculture, local contracting and water supply.
Tinka promised free healthcare for children under five and residents aged 70 and above.
He said the proposed policy would ensure that vulnerable residents are not denied medical treatment because they cannot afford hospital bills.
“We will provide free healthcare for our children under the age of five and for our elderly parents,” he said.
On agriculture, Tinka said an ADC administration would review the procurement and distribution of fertiliser, with greater preference given to local wholesalers and agro-dealers.
He said sourcing agricultural inputs from businesses within Gombe would help retain government spending in the state and increase 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,” he said.
Tinka also pledged to create more opportunities for qualified contractors and professionals from Gombe in the execution of government projects.
He said contracts requiring expertise unavailable in the state could be awarded to companies from outside Gombe, but local firms would be considered 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,” he said.
Addressing persistent water shortages in parts of Gombe metropolis and other communities, Tinka said his administration would seek to identify and address the underlying causes of the problem.
He said the government would conduct a comprehensive assessment of the water system before implementing measures to tackle the shortages.
“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 emerged as the ADC governorship candidate for the 2027 Gombe State election after the party’s primary in May 2026.
He has since urged residents to support the ADC, saying his proposed administration would focus on improving public welfare and expanding opportunities for residents.
