Political tensions are heightening as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic reforms continue to divide opinion, with critics warning of hardship and democratic backsliding, while supporters insist the policies are necessary and will consolidate strength ahead of the 2027 elections.
ADC Faults Tinubu’s Economic Direction
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) accused the Tinubu administration of lacking clear direction and worsening poverty.
National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, faulted the early removal of fuel subsidy without mitigating measures, saying it plunged citizens into hardship. He added that naira devaluation had eroded purchasing power, leaving even those earning ₦70,000 below the extreme poverty line.
He also criticised new tax measures—including a five per cent levy on petrol (set for January) and a five per cent aviation tax—warning that they would hit small businesses and middle-class Nigerians hardest.
“Regardless of the technical correctness of policies, if they break citizens’ backs, leaders must say no. Instead, they double down, calling it ‘tough medicine.’ But where is it taking us?” Abdullahi asked.
El-Rufai: ‘Tinubu Could Become Nigeria’s Paul Biya’
Former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai compared Tinubu’s leadership style to Cameroon’s Paul Biya, who has ruled since 1982.
Speaking after a solidarity visit from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, El-Rufai accused Tinubu of centralising power instead of promoting true federalism.
“If we don’t come together to end this Tinubu administration in 2027, he will try to be our Paul Biya—president for life. All the signs are there,” he warned, calling the administration “worse than any military regime.”
Gbenga Hashim Movement Challenges APC in South-West
The Gbenga Hashim Solidarity Movement (GHSM) vowed to break APC’s dominance in Lagos and Osun states ahead of 2027.
At a rally in Osogbo, leaders described Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim as an alternative leader to rescue Nigeria.
National Coordinator Abdulrazaq Hamzat said:
“Hunger has become a national policy, insecurity a daily horror, and hopelessness a state religion. Gbenga Hashim is ready to lead the crusade out of this wilderness.”
Observers note the South-West has long been APC’s stronghold, but rising inflation and insecurity could give opposition movements traction.
Daniel: Ogun’s Support for Tinubu Unshakable
In contrast, Senator Gbenga Daniel, former Ogun governor, reaffirmed the state’s support for Tinubu at the unveiling of the BATOGD Movement in Sagamu.
Daniel praised Tinubu for “confronting subsidy removal, forex reforms and other tough issues,” describing him as the first leader to provide “conscious leadership.”
He urged support for Tinubu’s second term in 2027 as “a matter of equity and justice” for the South-West.
APC Founding Member: Kwankwaso’s Return Key to 2027
APC chieftain Sam Nkire urged Tinubu to negotiate the return of Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso to the ruling party.
He argued that Kwankwaso’s inclusion would “nail the coffin” of the opposition, recalling that the Kano politician had been close to Tinubu before backing Buhari in 2015.
Tinubu Visits Kaduna Despite Opposition Narratives
Meanwhile, Tinubu visited Kaduna at the weekend, attending a wedding and a condolence visit.
Presidential aide Sunday Dare said the trip was symbolic, defying claims that the North had turned against him.
“Kaduna has long been central to political recalibration in Nigeria. Into this charged environment, President Tinubu chose to walk boldly, unafraid,” Dare wrote.
The piece shows a clear split:
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Critics (ADC, El-Rufai, GHSM) say Tinubu’s policies are punitive and risk authoritarianism.
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Supporters (Daniel, Nkire, Presidency) insist reforms are bold, necessary, and will guarantee re-election in 2027.
