Businessman and political commentator, Isaac Fayose, has criticised tribal loyalty in Nigerian politics, arguing that economic hardship affects citizens regardless of their ethnic background.

Fayose made the remarks while commenting on the rising cost of petrol, comparing fuel prices under the immediate past administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari with the current administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

According to him, petrol sold for about ₦85 per litre when Buhari assumed office and increased to approximately ₦180 per litre by the end of his administration.

He noted that under the Tinubu administration, the price of petrol has risen significantly, reaching about ₦1,400 per litre.

Fayose said his major concern was not only the increase in fuel prices but the tendency of some Nigerians to defend political leaders based on ethnic or tribal considerations rather than their performance.

He questioned whether Nigerians of Yoruba extraction were insulated from the economic challenges confronting the country.“Is it that Yoruba people are not feeling the pain? Are they buying fuel at a different price?” he asked.

Fayose’s comments have sparked renewed debate over the influence of ethnicity and tribal loyalty on political choices in Nigeria.He argued that leadership should be assessed based on its impact on the lives and welfare of citizens, rather than the ethnic background of those in government.

His remarks come amid continued public concerns over the high cost of petrol and the broader economic challenges facing Nigerians.