“‘Cooking Gas Is Just the Starter Pack’: Rudeboy’s 2026 Prediction Sparks Fresh Debate on Love, Money and ‘Baddie Tax’ in Nigeria”

As Nigerians count down to a new year filled with hope, anxiety, and ambitious resolutions, music star Paul Okoye, popularly known as Rudeboy of the defunct Psquare duo, has ignited fresh conversation online after sharing what he believes many Nigerians should expect from so-called “baddies” in 2026. The singer’s comment, posted via his Instagram handle @iamkingrudy and later circulated widely by blogs including Instablog9ja, quickly went viral, not because of its humor alone, but because it touched a nerve at the intersection of romance, finances, and modern relationship expectations.

In the now-viral post, Rudeboy joked that some girls in 2026 would casually tell their partners, “I told you my tax is due and you are not saying anything. Make we bet!! Cooking gas na just starter pack.” The line, written partly in Nigerian Pidgin, blends satire with social commentary, painting a picture of relationships where financial responsibility is no longer limited to rent, food, or occasional gifts, but extends into what many online users are now calling “relationship tax.” While clearly delivered in jest, the message resonated deeply in a country where economic pressures are already reshaping how people date, love, and commit.

The timing of Rudeboy’s comment added to its impact. With inflation, rising fuel prices, and increased cost of living dominating everyday conversations, Nigerians are increasingly sensitive to any discussion involving money. Cooking gas, once considered a routine household expense, has become symbolic of broader economic strain. By calling it a “starter pack,” Rudeboy cleverly suggested that financial expectations in relationships may soon escalate beyond what many people are prepared for, sparking laughter for some and discomfort for others.

Reactions online were swift and divided. Some users applauded Rudeboy for “saying the truth with humor,” arguing that many modern relationships have quietly turned into financial arrangements where men are expected to shoulder responsibilities that go far beyond their means. Others accused him of generalizing women and unfairly painting “baddies” as transactional, reminding critics that relationships have always involved shared responsibilities, just expressed differently across generations.

Supporters of Rudeboy’s perspective pointed out that social media has amplified certain lifestyles that are not reflective of the average Nigerian reality. Instagram aesthetics, luxury vacations, and influencer culture, they argued, have created unrealistic expectations that spill into real-life relationships. In this context, the joke about tax, cooking gas, and unspoken financial obligations becomes less about women specifically and more about the pressure many young Nigerians feel to perform financially, even when they are barely staying afloat.

On the other side of the debate, many women pushed back strongly, noting that economic hardship affects everyone and that partnership should involve mutual support, not one-sided narratives. Some argued that men also come into relationships with expectations, whether emotional, domestic, or financial, and that focusing solely on what women “demand” oversimplifies a much more complex issue. For them, Rudeboy’s post was funny but risked reinforcing stereotypes that reduce women’s needs to greed rather than survival in a tough economy.

What makes the conversation particularly interesting is Rudeboy’s framing of the post as part of his “resolution ahead of the new year.” While he did not explicitly list what that resolution was, many interpreted it as a decision to be more vocal about relationship boundaries or to approach love with clearer financial expectations. In recent years, Nigerian celebrities have increasingly used their platforms to speak candidly about relationships, marriage, and personal standards, often blurring the line between personal reflection and social commentary.

Rudeboy himself has never shied away from discussing love and heartbreak in his music, and fans quickly connected the post to themes already present in his songs. His audience, many of whom are young adults navigating similar pressures, seemed to recognize themselves in the joke. For them, it wasn’t just about “baddies” or cooking gas, but about the anxiety of entering a new year with unresolved financial struggles and uncertain emotional commitments.

The viral nature of the post also highlights how humor has become a coping mechanism for Nigerians facing harsh realities. By laughing at exaggerated scenarios, people find a way to discuss serious issues without becoming overwhelmed. In this sense, Rudeboy’s post functioned as a mirror, reflecting widespread concerns about money, expectations, and communication in relationships, even if wrapped in playful sarcasm.

Relationship experts and social commentators who weighed in on the trend noted that the debate reveals a growing need for honest conversations between partners. They argue that financial transparency and mutual understanding are more important than ever, especially as economic conditions worsen. Rather than framing responsibilities as “tax” or “starter packs,” they suggest couples openly discuss what they can realistically offer each other, emotionally and financially, to avoid resentment.

As 2026 approaches, Rudeboy’s viral prediction may ultimately be remembered less for its accuracy and more for the discussion it sparked. It forced Nigerians to confront uncomfortable questions: What do we really expect from our partners? How much of love has become transactional, and how much of that is simply survival in a difficult economy? And perhaps most importantly, are these expectations clearly communicated, or just silently assumed?

In typical Nigerian fashion, the internet has already turned the phrase “cooking gas na just starter pack” into memes, jokes, and short videos, ensuring that the message will linger well into the new year. Whether people agree with Rudeboy or not, his post succeeded in doing what viral commentary does best: starting a conversation that extends far beyond the original joke.

As Nigerians step into 2026 with resolutions, hopes, and cautious optimism, Rudeboy’s words serve as a humorous yet telling reminder that love, money, and expectations are deeply intertwined. And in a country where laughter often masks struggle, sometimes a joke about cooking gas can say more about society than a long speech ever could.