The Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), Zacch Adedeji, has vigorously defended President Bola Tinubu's lifestyle against mounting public criticism, claiming the president walks to his office every day, eats just one meal daily, and has not left Nigeria in three months.
Adedeji's Claims on Channels Television
During a Sunday interview on Channels Television on August 9, journalist Seun Okinbaloye pressed Adedeji on the lifestyles of political officeholders amid Nigeria's economic difficulties. Adedeji insisted that Tinubu lives modestly, contrary to popular perception.
"Mr President goes from home to office on foot, not even driving except when he is going to the airport. I don't know where you see the convoy. Before he became president, what is he riding?" Adedeji said. "How much is an Escalade that the president of Nigeria cannot afford? Please don't embarrass this country."
Questioning the 'Living Large' Narrative
Adedeji challenged critics to define "living large," citing the president's limited public appearances and domestic schedule as evidence of restraint. He noted that Tinubu has not left Nigeria in the past three months and eats only once a day.
"What is living large? In the last months, he has not even left the shores of this country, trekking and working. If you go there now, you will see him review one document or the other," Adedeji said. "So what is living large? The president eats once in a day. How many parties have you seen him at in the last three years? Tell me where you have seen him, whether on holiday or anywhere?"
Public Scrutiny of Government Spending
The interview comes as Nigerians grapple with high food prices and a weakened economy, intensifying scrutiny of government spending. The gap between political leaders' living standards and ordinary citizens' struggles remains a recurring point of tension.
Adedeji's remarks are likely to fuel further debate, as a senior government official defends the president's personal habits rather than addressing broader policy concerns about public expenditure.
Political Context
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Governor Seyi Makinde declared the Peoples Democratic Party is on course to win Nigeria's 2027 presidential election, speaking at the 103rd National Executive Committee meeting of a faction of the party in Abuja on May 4.
