Lack of Understanding or Legitimate Concern? Otti’s Defence of Tinubu’s Tax Reform Sparks National Debate

By George Omagbemi Sylvester | SaharaWeeklyNG

“Abia Governor Alex Otti argues critics misunderstand the overhaul of Nigeria’s tax laws, but the controversy reveals deeper anxieties about governance, transparency and economic strain.”

When Abia State Governor Alex Otti publicly defended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s newly enacted tax reform laws on February 13, 2026, he did more than just push back at critics, he threw the spotlight back on a fulcrum issue dividing Nigeria’s political and economic classes. Otti’s assertion that Nigerians attacking the tax policy “lack understanding” crystallises a broader fracture in public discourse over fiscal policy, governance and the future of the Nigerian economy.

The comments from Governor Otti came amid an intensifying national conversation over sweeping tax reforms signed into law in June 2025, designed to modernise Nigeria’s tax architecture and expand revenue mobilisation. These reforms (long in the making and championed by a Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee chaired by Prof. Taiwo Oyedele) mark the most far‑reaching overhaul of federal tax laws in decades. They include restructuring the Federal Inland Revenue Service into the National Revenue Service (NRS), establishing a Tax Appeal Tribunal and Ombudsman Office, and unifying revenue collection frameworks to improve transparency and efficiency.

Governor Otti’s praise for the new legislation resonated with elements of his own fiscal thinking. Drawing on economic positions he articulated nearly a decade ago, he argued that key principles now entrenched in the law reflect sound fiscal reasoning and long‑standing proposals to strengthen Nigeria’s economic foundations. “Almost 10 years ago, I wrote about the fiscal side of things,” Otti said. “When I read the new tax reform law, I saw many of those arguments reflected in it. I thank Prof. Oyedele. When people attack him, they don’t understand.”

Yet, while Otti’s intervention was meant to de‑escalate public criticism, it instead exposed how complex and emotionally charged the issue of taxation has become in Nigeria. Critics, both inside and outside government, argue that the reforms have not been adequately explained to citizens and that many fear the measures will aggravate hardship amid already high costs of living. One prominent voice of dissent, fiscal policy analyst Aborisade, warned that without transparency and clear communication on how tax revenues will be collected and returned to the people, “these reforms risk becoming deeply unpopular.” Critics also highlight that any tax increase implemented without demonstrable improvements in public services could fuel resentment and mistrust in governance.

That mistrust is not abstract. For years, Nigeria has struggled with weak tax compliance, low revenue‑to‑GDP ratios compared with other emerging economies, and public scepticism over how government revenues are utilised. Many Nigerians remember episodes where policy changes were not accompanied by visible improvements in infrastructure, healthcare or power delivery, reinforcing the belief among skeptics that new taxes equate to greater burden with little reward.

For supporters like Otti and others in government policy circles, the reforms represent a long‑overdue attempt to widen the tax net and reduce Nigeria’s chronic dependence on volatile oil revenues. Advocates argue that a modernised tax system can enhance domestic revenue mobilisation, reduce fiscal deficits, and create a more resilient economy. They point out that reforms provide exemptions and reliefs for low‑income earners and small businesses and are aimed at building a fairer, more transparent system for all stakeholders.

Still, bridging the gap between these competing narratives is challenging. Opposition voices contend that even well‑designed tax policy may fail if the state lacks the capacity to implement it equitably or if the public’s confidence in leadership remains weak. “Without accountability and clear benefits for their contributions, any tax reform risks becoming deeply unpopular,” Aborisade emphasised, warning that heavy taxation without trust can fracture the social contract.

The debate over Tinubu’s tax reform illustrates a deeper truth about contemporary Nigeria: that economic policy no longer exists in a vacuum but is deeply intertwined with public sentiment, political legitimacy, and social cohesion. As one respected economist put it, “Taxation is not just a fiscal tool, it is a trust‑building exercise between the state and its citizens.” When that trust is fragile, even technically sound reforms can be seen as punitive rather than constructive.

Analysts suggest that meaningful public engagement (including sustained information campaigns, transparent revenue utilisation reporting and constructive dialogue with civil society) is essential to soothe anxieties and build confidence in the new system. Without this, what began as an effort to stabilise public finances could widen political and social divides.

In defending the tax reforms, Governor Otti has framed the challenge as one of comprehension rather than critique. But the controversy unfolding across Nigeria is not simply about misunderstanding; it underscores a profound gap between policy design and public perception. For a reform of this magnitude to succeed, Nigerians must be assured not only of its economic merits, but also of its fairness, transparency and tangible impact on everyday lives.

As the implementation phase continues through 2026 and beyond, the Tinubu administration, state governments and economic stakeholders face the critical task of translating legislative change into broader public trust – a task as difficult as any technical reform the tax laws themselves seek to achieve.

Cubana Chief Priest Backs Tinubu Ahead of 2027, Signalling Shift in Celebrity Political Alignments

By George Omagbemi Sylvester | SaharaWeeklyNG

“Socialite’s public declaration underscores growing intersection of business, entertainment and electoral politics as Nigeria inches toward another high-stakes presidential race.”

A prominent Nigerian socialite and nightlife entrepreneur, Pascal Okechukwu (popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest) has publicly declared his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election, in a move that has stirred debate across Nigeria’s political and social media landscapes.

The declaration emerged in early February 2026 through a series of Instagram posts and public exchanges with critics and followers. In those posts, the celebrity businessman stated unequivocally that he would align himself with Tinubu’s political camp and work against the anticipated presidential bid of former Anambra State governor and Labour Party figure, Peter Obi.

Cubana Chief Priest, who commands a large following across Nigeria’s entertainment and hospitality sectors, framed his decision as both a political and economic calculation. In one exchange, he argued that as an employer and businessman, he preferred collaboration with the incumbent administration rather than opposition politics.

He also publicly declared that he and his family had chosen to “stay with the moving train” of Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda, signalling clear political alignment with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The shift is politically significant because the socialite had previously been associated with Peter Obi during the 2023 presidential election cycle. In his own words, he acknowledged that he worked for Obi during that campaign, even while holding an advisory role to an APC-aligned state government.

His new stance therefore represents a notable reversal, particularly within the South-East business community, where Obi enjoyed strong support during the last election.

The controversy surrounding the declaration intensified after an online clash between Cubana Chief Priest and social commentator Isaac Fayose, the brother of former Ekiti State governor Ayodele Fayose. The dispute centred on the socialite’s decision to align with Tinubu’s political movement, with Fayose accusing him of opportunism. In response, Cubana Chief Priest defended his position, arguing that political alignment was a practical choice for a businessman responsible for large-scale employment.

He also linked his support for the APC government to broader political objectives, including the potential release of detained pro-Biafra leader Nnamdi Kanu, stating that such outcomes were more achievable from within the ruling political structure than from opposition ranks.

Beyond social media statements, reports indicate that Cubana Chief Priest has expressed interest in running for a seat in the House of Representatives in 2027 under the APC platform, suggesting that his endorsement of Tinubu is part of a deeper political ambition rather than a mere celebrity opinion.

News reports also describe his announcement of political plans and explicit backing of Tinubu as part of the emerging alignment of business figures with the president’s second-term project.

The development coincides with political moves by his associate, the businessman Obinna Iyiegbu, popularly known as Obi Cubana, who has also been linked to pro-Tinubu political structures ahead of 2027.

This clustering of influential entrepreneurs around the ruling party has prompted renewed discussion about the growing role of celebrity endorsements and business interests in Nigeria’s electoral politics.

Political analysts say such endorsements, while often symbolic, can influence public perception, especially among young voters who are heavily engaged with celebrity culture. As political scientist Larry Diamond once observed, “In transitional democracies, informal power networks (business elites, media figures, and celebrities) can shape political outcomes as much as formal party structures.”

Similarly, Nigerian scholar Professor Jibrin Ibrahim has argued that “the fusion of business capital and political capital is one of the defining features of contemporary Nigerian politics.”

However, critics warn that celebrity political alignments rarely translate into structured policy debates or ideological clarity. Economist Pat Utomi has repeatedly cautioned that “Nigeria’s democracy suffers when politics becomes an extension of celebrity influence rather than a contest of ideas and development strategies.”

For now, Cubana Chief Priest’s declaration remains a personal political endorsement rather than an official party appointment at the national level. Yet its timing (more than a year before the formal campaign cycle for 2027) illustrates how early positioning has already begun among Nigeria’s political and business elites.

Key figures involved:

Pascal Okechukwu (Cubana Chief Priest): Socialite and businessman who declared support for Tinubu.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu: Incumbent Nigerian president expected to seek re-election in 2027.

Peter Obi: Former Anambra governor and likely opposition contender.

Isaac Fayose: Social commentator who criticised the endorsement.

Obinna Iyiegbu (Obi Cubana): Business associate linked to pro-Tinubu political structures.

As Nigeria moves gradually toward the 2027 electoral cycle, the intersection of celebrity influence, business interests and party politics is likely to intensify, raising fresh questions about the nature of democratic mobilisation in Africa’s most populous nation.

Obasa joins APC Leaders at Local Government Renewed Hope Coordinators’ Inauguration

The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Dr) Mudashiru Obasa, joined leaders and stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the inauguration ceremony of the Local Government Renewed Hope Coordinators organised by the Renewed Hope Ambassadors Lagos.

The ceremony, held on Wednesday, February 11, at the 10 Degrees Event Centre, Ikeja, marked a significant step in advancing the Renewed Hope Ambassadors initiative dedicated to mobilising grassroots support towards the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.

As the longest-serving Speaker in the history of Lagos State, Obasa’s attendance underscores the House of Assembly’s recognition of the importance of grassroots structures in strengthening democratic participation and ensuring continuity of governance. His presence also highlights a personal alignment with broader efforts to consolidate progress and sustain development across Lagos State and Nigeria.

It further reaffirms his commitment to collaborative governance and the strengthening of institutions that serve the people, while also reflecting the unity of purpose among Lagos State’s leadership in supporting initiatives that advance the Renewed Hope vision.

The event drew a wide array of political gladiators and stakeholders, including Lagos State Governor Mr Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor Dr Obafemi Hamzat, former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose, Chief of Staff to the Lagos State Governor, Tayo Ayinde; Osun State APC gubernatorial candidate, Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji; APC chieftain Cardinal James Odunmbaku (Baba Eto); APC State Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, and former Deputy Governor Femi Pedro, among others.