Adebayo Slams FG’s N70,000 Transport Allowance, Calls It ‘Vote-Buying by Trick’

Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential candidate Adewole Adebayo has criticised the Federal Government’s N70,000 transport allowance for public sector workers, describing the intervention as “vote-buying by trick” ahead of the forthcoming elections.

In a statement issued on Thursday by Mark Adebayo, chief media and communications adviser to the party’s Presidential Campaign Council, the SDP candidate questioned the timing of the government’s decision, describing the allowance as a “sudden Greek gift”.

Adebayo argued that the six-month transport support programme was a short-term political measure that would not address the economic challenges facing Nigerian workers.

He described the intervention as “a calculated political gimmick designed to hoodwink voters before abandoning them to return to their severe economic suffering immediately after the polls”.

“Your N70,000 transport intervention for Nigerian workers is vote-buying by trick,” he said.

The SDP flagbearer also criticised the government’s approach to economic management, arguing that sustainable infrastructure development and wealth creation would provide more lasting benefits than temporary relief measures.

He pledged that, if elected president, his administration would pursue a comprehensive economic overhaul focused on improving workers’ wages, increasing purchasing power and addressing poverty and insecurity.

Adebayo said his policy blueprint, titled Farewell to Poverty and Insecurity, outlined his plans for transforming the country’s economy and improving living standards. He also maintained that he was prepared to deliver socioeconomic changes if elected.

The Federal Government announced the N70,000 transport allowance following a conciliation meeting in Abuja between government representatives and leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC). According to the memorandum of understanding, payments are expected to begin in November and continue for six months.

The agreement also provides for payment of peculiar allowance arrears dating back to May 1, 2026, in three equal monthly instalments beginning in November.

However, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) has rejected the transport allowance, describing it as unsustainable and calling instead for salary increases. The congress also urged the government to implement outstanding agreements with health workers represented by the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU).