The African Democratic Congress has accused the Tinubu administration of preparing to introduce a five per cent fuel tax after the 2027 presidential election, warning that the measure could worsen the cost of living.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, made the allegation after Finance Minister Taiwo Oyedele reportedly said the government would implement the tax when economic conditions became more favorable. The ADC claimed the timing was politically motivated, an allegation that has not been established as fact.
Using a hypothetical pump price of ₦1,450 per litre, the party calculated that a five per cent charge passed entirely to consumers would raise the price to ₦1,522.50. Actual retail effects would depend on the final implementation rules and market pricing.
The ADC questioned the justification for additional fuel charges at a time of high transport and household costs. It also argued that government should show clearer results from previous reforms and infrastructure spending before introducing new burdens.
The party promoted a proposal by its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, for limited support for domestically refined fuel, claiming it could help reduce consumer prices. That proposal remains a political policy position rather than an enacted programme.
The government’s stated intention, as described in the supplied report, was to consider implementation when economic conditions improved; the allegation that a specific post-election date has been chosen came from the opposition party.
