Photo File: Primate Elijah Ayodele and President Bola Tinubu

The spiritual leader of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has issued a strong warning to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging him to reconsider the proposed 5% fuel tax currently being deliberated by his administration. In a statement released through his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin, the cleric cautioned that such a policy, if implemented, could carry significant political consequences, including derailing Tinubu’s chances of securing a second term in office.

According to Primate Ayodele, the timing and nature of the proposed tax risk being gravely misinterpreted by the public, similar to the widespread backlash that followed the removal of fuel subsidies in 2023. He warned that Nigerians are still grappling with the economic aftershocks of that decision, and another policy perceived as burdensome could deepen public resentment and spark unrest or disillusionment with the current administration.

“President Tinubu must critically evaluate the implications of this 5% fuel tax. It will not be well received, and the people will misread the intentions behind it. Just like the fuel subsidy removal, it will stir negative sentiments and could ultimately be used against him politically,” Ayodele stated.

The cleric further emphasized that the fuel tax, if pushed forward, could become a major talking point for opposition parties, who would likely seize the opportunity to paint the administration as insensitive to the economic plight of Nigerians. He noted that such a move would not only erode public trust, but also serve as powerful campaign ammunition for Tinubu’s political rivals in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections.

Moreover, Primate Ayodele foresees internal resistance, predicting that several state governors will openly oppose the policy, especially if its benefits are not equitably distributed across the federation. According to him, there are concerns that the fuel tax might ultimately appear lopsided in implementation, favoring select interests or regions while placing additional financial strain on the masses.

Beyond political ramifications, the cleric expressed deep concern about the broader economic implications of introducing yet another tax burden at a time when Nigerians are struggling with inflation, currency devaluation, and high costs of living. He called on the president to rethink the government’s current approach to taxation, warning that the cumulative effect of multiple levies is becoming unbearable for ordinary citizens.

“President Tinubu needs to address the growing issue of over-taxation. The people are weary. It’s becoming too much. We are reaching a point where every new policy feels like a fresh wound on an already ailing economy. He should not allow this to become another scenario reminiscent of the subsidy removal saga,” Primate Ayodele concluded.

His message is a call for restraint, empathy, and political foresight, urging the Tinubu administration to prioritize public welfare and economic balance over short-term revenue strategies that could cost far more in public trust and political capital