By John Adesogan
I’m not loyal to any political party. So, what I write is not driven by sentiment, political hatred or blind opposition. It is based on the realities confronting Nigerians today.
It does not matter whether you support Tinubu, belong to the APC, or have never voted in your life. Whether you are young or old, male or female, so long as you are a Nigerian living in Nigeria, these are seven serious difficulties — seven gates of hell — you should expect if Tinubu retains power in 2027:
1. Electricity subsidy will be removed
The government has announced plans to end electricity subsidies in 2027. In simple terms, this means Nigerians will have to pay more for electricity.
Remember the way petrol went from N187 to N1,400 when Tinubu removed subsidy? Same way, the price of electricity will skyrocket suddenly.
The plan to remove the electricity subsidy is already in the cooler and I believe it will be one of the policies Tinubu will implement if he should retain power in 2027. So, everyone should fasten their seatbelt, because it will be a long ride.
Fortunately for Tinubu, this won’t affect him in any way. Remember he’s already invested N17billion to install solar power in Aso Villa. It’s you and I that will bear the brunt. Wait for it…
2. Fuel prices will increase further
With the removal of petrol subsidy, Nigerians are now more exposed to changes in fuel prices. Global oil prices, exchange rates, and the cost of supplying petrol can all push prices higher.
If fuel can be this expensive at a time when Tinubu is seeking reelection, imagine what will happen the moment he grabs power again? A litre of fuel might rise up to N5,000 before he leaves office in 2031.
Fortunately for Tinubu and his cohorts, they don’t pay for fuel. They get petrol free of charge. Upon that, they get millions of naira monthly as fuel allowance.
In other words, it is you and I that will pay with our hard-earned money. Hope everyone is warming up? Eku imunra o!
3. The proposed 5% fuel surcharge will be implemented
Nigeria’s tax law contains a provision for a 5% surcharge on fuel. Apart from the subsidy removal, we’ll start paying another 5% tax on every litre of fuel we buy.
Let me explain what this means in simple terms. Assuming you buy fuel of ₦10,000, a 5% charge would amount to an additional ₦500. So for every ₦10,000 fuel, you pay a tax of ₦500, which makes a total of ₦10,500. Or if you buy ₦100,000 worth of fuel, you pay tax of N5,000, that’s ₦105,000.
I believe that this one will take effect the moment Tinubu is declared winner. Every Nigerian can bear witness to how he loves to impose tax on poor people. This one cannot be negotiated.
4. Food prices will further increase
In Nigeria, the price of fuel directly impacts the price of every other commodity, including food items.
So, whatever makes the price of fuel go up more simply means cost of food items will also rise.
I know that food items are already expensive. But we are only seeing SIGNS right now. If Tinubu should win again, we will then see WONDERS, the elder brother of signs.
I’m just wondering how families will survive when their incomes remain the same but the cost of feeding continues to rise! Hunger does not care which political party you support or if you’re same tribe with the president. Everybody go line up!
5. Insecurity will most likely worsen across the country
Kidnapping, banditry, terrorism and attacks on communities have become an everyday incident in Nigeria. We sleep in fear every day and we wake up waiting for news of the next victims. Sad to say, these evil occurrences may further advance if Tinubu retains power in 2027. Life will be harder for ordinary Nigerians. And this will increase the rate of crime because people have to survive.
Again, it will be foolish and wishful thinking for anyone to believe that Tinubu that cannot handle insecurity when he’s seeking reelection will handle it when he no longer needs our votes.
Right now, those in the South-East and South-South are still somewhat the least affected by the menace. I’m afraid the terror might spread to every region should Tinubu return to office.
Meanwhile, Tinubu and his cohorts will not be under any form of security threat because they move about with heavily armed security protocols and they drive in bulletproof vehicles. It is the rest of us that are at risk.
6. The new tax reform will be implemented
Nigeria’s new tax laws have introduced a revised system of personal income taxation. This means Nigerian workers and business men that fall within the taxable range will be paying from 25 to 30% of their total income to government.
This tax law is already warming up in the cooler. It has been passed by the legislature. If APC should win, you already know what the tax master will do.
Many companies vacated Nigeria because of unfavourable economy. Imagine imposing more tax on already struggling workers and businesses? Chai!
7. Green charges will make imported cars more expensive
Environmental surcharges have been introduced for certain motor vehicles, particularly those with engine capacities of 2,000cc and above. In simple terms, more money will be paid to clear cars that are imported into the country. So when your dealer increases the prices of cars, don’t blame him. Na wetin him buy he go sell.
If you are planning to buy a car, you better do it now. If Tinubu should come back, cars will no longer be affordable. Just use your money and buy ponmo wey get pepper.
THE WAY FORWARD
Let us put sentiment aside for once. A politician is not your personal saviour. He’s there to serve the people. You should never defend politicians whose policies continue to destroy your purchasing power, just because he belongs to your preferred party, practises same religion or is from the same tribe as you.
Well, every Nigerian has the right to vote for politicians of their choice. But let’s keep in mind that, for every choice, there are consequences.
If you support Tinubu in the coming election, you lose the right to complain of hardship because the handwriting is clear enough. Even the blind can see it.
I know that some people will start asking me who they should vote for. Let your good conscience and the spirit of God guide you.
I know that, if Nigerians are ready, we will rescue our country. Power belongs to the people, if we know our right.
A new Nigeria is POssible.
© John Adesogan
