The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has alleged that President Bola Tinubu could announce the implementation of a five per cent fuel tax if re-elected for a second term in 2027, warning that the levy could push petrol prices above ₦1,500 per litre.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, made the allegation in a statement on Tuesday, reacting to comments by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, on the proposed fuel tax.
Oyedele had said the Federal Government would introduce the levy when the economy stabilised and Nigerians’ income levels improved sufficiently to accommodate the additional cost.
He explained that revenue generated from the tax would be channelled towards road infrastructure and the development of a fuel reserve to help moderate prices when disruptions occur.
However, Abdullahi alleged that the government was delaying implementation for political reasons and might activate the tax after Tinubu secures re-election.
“They have already enacted the law for a five per cent tax on fuel under the Nigeria Tax Act,” the statement said, adding that Tinubu signed the legislation in June 2025.
The ADC spokesman argued that applying the proposed five per cent levy to petrol selling at ₦1,450 per litre would increase the price to ₦1,522.50, if the entire tax were passed on to consumers.
He warned that the additional cost could worsen the financial pressures facing households, transport operators, small businesses and food distributors.
“Each time Nigerians struggle to recover from one punishing policy, another burden is waiting around the corner,” Abdullahi said.
He criticised the administration for considering another levy after the removal of petrol subsidies, arguing that the government should prioritise measures to ease the cost of living.
The ADC spokesman also questioned the justification for dedicating the proposed revenue to roads and fuel-price stabilisation, insisting that Nigerians should see measurable improvements in public infrastructure before being asked to bear additional costs.
Abdullahi further recalled that Tinubu, as Lagos State governor in December 2003, opposed a fuel tax contemplated by the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, reportedly describing it as double taxation.
He accused the president of abandoning that position and urged Nigerians to support the subsidy model proposed by former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, the ADC’s presidential candidate.
According to Abdullahi, the proposed model offers a better route to reducing petrol prices and the overall cost of living.
However, the claim that Tinubu would announce the fuel tax on his inauguration day if re-elected remains an allegation by the opposition party. Oyedele did not specify when the levy would take effect, saying implementation would depend on improvements in economic conditions and household incomes.