Prince Adewole Adebayo, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies, claiming the administration’s taxation approach is excessive and burdens ordinary Nigerians.
Speaking during a recent media interview, Adebayo said: “If care is not taken, President Tinubu will soon tax the very air we breathe.” He accused the government of pursuing a revenue-driven agenda without implementing meaningful reforms that could ease hardship.
According to Adebayo, the administration’s policies — including fuel subsidy removal, electricity tariff increases, and new tax frameworks — have compounded inflation, eroded purchasing power, and pushed millions deeper into poverty.
He said the SDP had warned earlier that the government’s approach to revenue generation was “unsustainable” without a robust plan for production, job creation and social welfare.
“The economy cannot survive on taxation alone. We must return to productivity — agriculture, manufacturing, and infrastructure that create real value,” he added.
The former presidential candidate called for immediate fiscal restructuring and targeted palliatives, urging the Federal Government to prioritise citizens’ welfare over revenue collection.
Adebayo’s comments add to growing criticism from civil society groups and opposition parties over Nigeria’s current economic direction, as the cost of living crisis continues to deepen nationwide.
