As the year 2027 approaches, it has become clear that President Tinubu’s administration, rather than pulling Nigeria out of the depths of multiple inherited crises, has only exacerbated them. His governance style has not only placed Nigeria in a more precarious situation but also raised serious questions about his ability to govern effectively. With the economy in tatters, unemployment at an all-time high, poverty levels soaring, and insecurity rampant, it seems the only logical course of action for Nigerians is to return Mr Tinubu to his Bourdillon Street residence in Lagos in 2027.
When Tinubu assumed office in 2023, Nigeria was already facing an array of economic and security challenges. However, rather than improving the situation, his leadership has deepened the crises. One of his first actions as president was to announce the removal of fuel subsidies, a decision that sent the economy into a downward spiral. While the president framed this as a necessary reform for long-term sustainability, the immediate impact is devastating. The sudden hike in fuel prices triggered a cascade of inflation across every sector of the economy.
A prominent scholar once stated that there are three essential questions to ask when evaluating a nation’s progress: What is the level of poverty? What is the level of unemployment? What is the level of inequality? If these indicators are drastically reduced, then one can confidently claim that development is happening. However, under this administration, all these indicators have reached catastrophic levels. The rising poverty rate, skyrocketing unemployment, and increasing inequality all point to a country in a state of regression rather than development.
Under APC’s watch, poverty levels have soared. The price of essential goods and services has risen dramatically, making it increasingly difficult for ordinary citizens to afford basic necessities. Even the most vulnerable groups, the subsistence farmers, for example, are struggling to feed themselves. The prices of fertilizers, seeds, and other essential farming inputs have become prohibitively expensive. As a result, many farmers can no longer grow enough food to sustain themselves, let alone sell for a profit.
In northern Nigeria, the situation is even worse. Farmers in many parts of the region are unable to access their land due to the widespread insecurity caused by kidnappers, bandits, and terrorists. This has led to not only an economic disaster for rural farmers but also a food crisis that has worsened over the last few years.
Unemployment has also skyrocketed under Tinubu’s leadership. The economy has suffered under a series of misguided economic policies, and as a result, millions of SMEs, the backbone of Nigeria’s economy have collapsed. According to the Association of Small Business Owners of Nigeria (ASBON), millions of businesses have been forced to shut their doors, contributing to a severe rise in unemployment.
The collapse of SMEs has led to a significant loss of jobs. As these businesses close, millions of Nigerians who once relied on these jobs are today unemployed and unable to find alternative sources of income. This, in turn, has only worsened the economic downturn, leading to a vicious cycle of poverty and unemployment that also indirectly aggravates the kidnapping industry.
A striking feature of this administration has been the disproportionate distribution of federal projects and appointments. While the northern region played a decisive role in securing Tinubu’s victory in the 2023 election, the administration has made it clear where its priorities lie. The southwest, particularly Lagos, has been the primary beneficiary of federal infrastructural projects, while other regions of the country have been sidelined. This lopsided distribution of resources has sparked accusations of favoritism and political patronage.
Furthermore, Tinubu’s appointments have been highly skewed in favor of the Yoruba ethnic group, with over 70 percent of his appointments being filled by people from this ethnic extraction. While the Yoruba are undoubtedly a part of Nigeria, this overwhelming dominance of one ethnic group in public office has raised questions about the president’s commitment to national unity and his disregard for the spirit of nation-building. The president’s actions suggest that he sees his role not as one for all Nigerians but rather as one serving the interests of his own ethnic group.
The president’s economic and financial policies have been nothing short of disastrous. The floating of the Naira, once hailed as a potential solution to Nigeria’s currency crisis, has instead further destabilized the economy. Inflation has surged, the value of the Naira has plummeted, and the cost of living has become unbearable for most Nigerians.
In addition, the introduction of controversial tax reforms has only added to the burden on ordinary citizens and businesses. Rather than stimulating growth, these policies have further crippled the economy, leading to a widening gap between the rich and the poor. Tinubu’s government has failed to deliver on the economic promises made during his campaign, and Nigeria’s financial future looks bleaker than ever.
Insecurity, once a major issue under the previous administration, has only worsened under Tinubu’s leadership. Kidnappings, banditry, and terrorism have spread across the country, leaving citizens fearful and unable to go about their daily lives. In many regions, especially in the north, people are unable to farm, travel, or conduct business due to the rampant violence and lawlessness. The government’s inability to address these security challenges has left the country vulnerable and contributed to the growing sense of despair among the populace.
As 2027 approaches, it is time for the APC to account for the performance of President Tinubu. The party must be asked to present concrete achievements, both in domestic and international affairs. But beyond pauperizing the Nigerian populace and undermining the country’s long-standing foreign policy priorities within ECOWAS, what has this administration achieved?
The truth is, Tinubu’s administration has failed to address key issues like electricity, which he himself promised to tackle during his campaign. He even challenged Nigerians to sack him if he did not resolve the electricity crisis! Yet, despite these promises, the power situation remains as dire as ever.
With Nigeria’s economy in tatters, unemployment soaring, insecurity worsening, and national unity at risk, it is clear that President Tinubu’s time in office has been marked by a series of failures. The President should begin to get ready to return to his residence on Bourdillon Street in 2027 to reflect on the blunders he has made as Nigeria’s president. Nigeria deserves a leadership that puts the interests of all its citizens first—not one that focuses on enriching a select few or perpetuating ethnic division. Nigerians cannot afford more of the same. We deserve better.
