The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has warned that President Bola Tinubu could introduce a five per cent fuel tax if he wins re-election in 2027, claiming the move could push petrol prices above ₦1,500 per litre nationwide.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the proposed tax would add to the financial pressure on Nigerians already struggling with rising living costs.
The ADC was reacting to recent comments by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, who said the Federal Government would introduce the fuel tax when the economy stabilises and income levels improve sufficiently for Nigerians to accommodate it.
Oyedele made the remarks during an interview with Arise TV business correspondent Rotus Odiri on the sidelines of the 2026 International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank annual meetings in Bangkok, Thailand.
Although the minister did not specify when the tax would take effect, he explained that the revenue generated would be used to fund road infrastructure and develop a fuel reserve intended to help moderate prices if disruptions occur.
ADC Predicts Petrol Could Rise to ₦1,522.50 Per Litre
Abdullahi alleged that the government intended to activate the tax after Tinubu secures another presidential term.
“They have already enacted the law for a 5% tax on fuel under the Nigeria Tax Act,” the statement reads.
“And President Tinubu has signed it into law since June 2025. If they are not activated it yet, its because of re-election. Once Tinubu is re-elected, he will announce the new tax law on the inauguration ground, just as he did for fuel subsidy in 2023.”
The ADC spokesperson warned that if petrol sells for ₦1,450 per litre, adding a five per cent surcharge directly to the price would raise the cost to ₦1,522.50 per litre.
He said such an increase could have serious consequences for transportation, food distribution, small businesses and household spending.
“This Tinubu-led APC never runs out of new ways to make survival more expensive,” Abdullahi said.
“Each time Nigerians struggle to recover from one punishing policy, another burden is waiting around the corner.”
He argued that after removing fuel subsidies and subjecting citizens to what he described as unprecedented economic pressures, the government should prioritise measures to ease hardship instead of introducing additional taxes.
Abdullahi also questioned the government’s explanation that the proposed levy would support road development and fuel-price stabilisation. He maintained that Nigerians should see measurable improvements before being asked to shoulder further financial burdens.
ADC Recalls Tinubu’s Previous Opposition to Fuel Tax
The party spokesperson recalled that Tinubu, while serving as governor of Lagos State, opposed a fuel tax being considered by the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo in December 2003.
Abdullahi said Tinubu had described the proposed levy at the time as “double taxation” that placed an unfair burden on citizens.
“Now, Tinubu does not care if the people are burdened to death,” he said.
Abdullahi urged Nigerians to support the fuel subsidy model proposed by former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, the ADC’s presidential candidate.
He argued that the model remained the best way to reduce petrol prices and lower the overall cost of living in the country.
