Primate Elijah Ayodele, leader of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, has criticised the Federal Government’s proposed 30-day petrol price discount, describing the move as a sign of confusion within President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Ayodele made the remarks in a statement issued on Friday, October 9, 2026, through his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin. His comments followed the announcement of a temporary fuel price reduction by Finance Minister Taiwo Oyedele a day earlier.
Oyedele said the government planned to prioritise public transport operators under the arrangement, which would see NNPC Retail temporarily give up its profit margin on petrol sales. He said the initiative was intended to provide relief to consumers and did not amount to a return to the fuel subsidy system abolished in 2023.
Reacting to the announcement, Ayodele argued that the discount was inadequate and suggested that the government was under pressure as preparations for the 2027 general election gathered momentum.
The cleric also criticised the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), alleging that the party lacked a clear direction and was determined to retain power. He warned Tinubu to exercise caution in his political decisions and campaign activities ahead of the next election.
Ayodele further claimed that a possible second term for Tinubu could bring greater economic hardship for Nigerians. The remarks reflect the cleric’s personal assessment and predictions; they do not establish what the country’s economic conditions would be under a future administration.
The fuel discount has generated reactions from opposition figures and labour groups, with critics questioning its likely impact, duration and ability to address the wider cost-of-living crisis. Supporters of the policy, however, say temporarily reducing the retailer’s margin could offer some relief without restoring a government-funded subsidy.
The initiative is expected to last for 30 days, although the amount motorists will save per litre may depend on the final pricing arrangements at participating NNPC retail outlets.
As debate continues over fuel costs and economic policy, the effectiveness of the intervention will depend on how it is implemented, the extent to which consumers benefit and whether any further measures are introduced to address the pressures facing households and businesses.