The ascension of Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the presidency of Nigeria in 2023 has marked a troubling chapter in the nation’s history. Many observers have argued that his presidency represents a critical error, a misstep that has far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s political, economic, social, and moral fabric.
While the campaign trail was marked by promises of renewal and reform, the reality of Tinubu’s administration has revealed a disconcerting manipulation of power that has made life increasingly unbearable for ordinary Nigerians. The disillusionment is palpable, as citizens grapple with the stark contrast between their aspirations and the harsh realities imposed by this government.
From the outset, Tinubu’s rise to power appeared orchestrated through a series of calculated maneuvers, often at the expense of democratic principles. Allegations of electoral malpractices and vote manipulation were rampant, with reports detailing how the electoral process was compromised. Tinubu’s tactics, reminiscent of the political machinations seen in more autocratic regimes, have raised serious questions about the integrity of his presidency. Once in office, his administration’s policies have exacerbated existing crises, pushing Nigeria deeper into economic despair and social discontent.
Economically, the nation is teetering on the brink. The austere measures implemented by Tinubu’s government have inflicted undue hardship on a population already grappling with soaring inflation and widespread poverty. Essential commodities have become luxuries, with many Nigerians struggling to afford basic necessities.
Meanwhile, the government’s extravagant expenditure on presidential aircraft and luxury SUVs stands in stark contrast to the suffering of the populace. This juxtaposition of opulence amidst deprivation reflects a morally bankrupt leadership that prioritizes personal comfort over the welfare of its citizens.
Socially, the Tinubu administration has engendered a climate of fear and repression. The once-vibrant public discourse is stifled, with dissent being met with increasing hostility. A particularly alarming development has been the arraignment of minors in the Federal High Court on charges of treason simply for participating in protests against Tinubu’s poor governance and the calculated weaponization of poverty.
This shocking legal overreach, which targets unarmed youths in Kano, highlights a regime willing to criminalize dissent and intimidate its most vulnerable citizens. The police and military, gallantly arresting these minors from the rear, reveal a profound cowardice; they act as if the protests against bad governance are confined to Kano, ignoring the nationwide discontent brewing across the country. Their continued incarceration only serves to confirm the president’s own guilty conscience and the lengths to which his administration will go to suppress legitimate grievances.
Moreover, Tinubu’s approach to national development has begun to sow discord among Nigerians, as his policies increasingly favor regional disparities over unity. By subtly introducing primordial sentiments into the discourse surrounding development, he has sought to fracture the already tenuous fabric that binds the nation together. His emphasis on regional development schemes often appears to be a calculated strategy aimed at fostering divisions, reinforcing the notion of “us versus them” among various ethnic and regional groups. This deliberate cultivation of discord is a criminal act, cloaked in the guise of progress, that threatens to obliterate the remaining threads of national unity and compromise the possibility of a cohesive Nigerian identity.
The politicization of the judiciary under Tinubu’s rule has further deepened the crisis of governance. Notable cases in states like Rivers and Kano highlight the manipulation of legal frameworks to serve political ends. The judiciary, once a bastion of hope for justice, has become an extension of the ruling party’s interests, undermining the very foundation of democracy. This erosion of judicial independence has disillusioned many citizens who once believed in the rule of law as a safeguard against tyranny.
The international standing of Nigeria has also suffered under Tinubu’s leadership. Once regarded as a regional powerhouse, the country’s reputation has plummeted, leading to stricter visa policies from other nations. The perception of Nigeria as a land of instability and corruption has led to increased isolation on the global stage. This deterioration of goodwill and standing among nations is a grim reminder of how poor governance can have devastating consequences beyond national borders.
Moreover, the plight of Nigeria’s intellectual class, particularly university lecturers, cannot be overlooked. These talented individuals, who should be at the forefront of driving national development, find themselves trapped in a cycle of misery, facing stagnant salaries and inadequate resources to pursue their academic missions. The brain drain continues as many opt for opportunities abroad, leaving the nation devoid of the very talent needed to build a better future.
The comparison of Nigeria under Tinubu to Zaire under Mobutu Sese Seko and Central African Republic under Jean-Bédel Bokassa is both stark and sobering. Like these leaders, Tinubu’s administration appears to be characterized by a blend of authoritarianism and extravagance, leading to systemic failure. History has shown that such regimes often crumble under the weight of their excesses and the mounting pressures from their own populace. The inevitable collapse of these governments is driven by the realization among citizens that they have been deceived, leading to widespread unrest and demands for change.
As we approach the next electoral cycle in 2027, there is a growing consensus among Nigerians that Tinubu’s government will not be reelected. The bitter lessons learned from this “one chance President” are etched in the minds of the electorate. Many now advocate for a leadership that prioritizes the needs and aspirations of the people over personal aggrandizement—some even expressing a willingness to support a return to military rule if it promises stability and better governance. This reflects a deep sense of frustration and desperation among citizens who feel abandoned by a system that has failed them.
In conclusion, the presidency of Bola Ahmed Tinubu stands as a cautionary tale of misrule and manipulation. The gaps between his promises and the grim realities faced by ordinary Nigerians are widening, creating a fertile ground for discontent.
The future of Nigeria hinges on the collective resolve of its citizens to reject this trajectory and demand better leadership—one that honors the aspirations of its people rather than indulging in the excesses of power. If the lessons of history are heeded, the Tinubu administration may soon find itself on the wrong side of public sentiment, leading to a much-needed reckoning in 2027.
