Managing Perception: The Tinubu Administration’s Achievements and the Challenges of Public Opinion.
By HeadlineNews.News Correspondent
Since assuming office, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has implemented sweeping reforms aimed at addressing Nigeria’s economic and governance challenges. However, despite these efforts, his administration continues to face significant opposition from detractors who leverage propaganda and misinformation to sway public perception. The importance of perception management, therefore, cannot be overstated in ensuring that Nigerians accurately assess the progress made under Tinubu’s leadership.
The Challenge of Public Perception
While Tinubu’s policies have touched nearly every sector, opposition groups have amplified narratives of hardship, particularly targeting the illiterate and uninformed segments of the population. The emergence of the term “T-Pain” in public discourse, used to describe the difficulties faced by Nigerians, highlights the effectiveness of these opposition campaigns in framing the government’s reforms negatively.
To counter this, experts suggest the deployment of a structured perception management strategy led by professional firms like Fraser Consulting Consortium, in collaboration with national stakeholders such as the National Patriots. This initiative would highlight the administration’s successes, correct misinformation, and strengthen public confidence.
Election Statistics and the Need for Political Strategy
A key challenge for the Tinubu administration is the relatively low margin of victory in the 2023 elections compared to previous administrations. With only 4 out of 10 voters choosing Tinubu, his administration must build greater public support to consolidate its position ahead of the 2027 elections.
To achieve this, the government needs to engage with key regions, particularly the North, which played a crucial role in securing his electoral victory. His strongest support came from the Northwest (2,652,235 votes), Northeast (1,760,993 votes), and North-Central (1,185,458 votes), while votes from the South were significantly lower. This underscores the need for increased visibility and strategic engagement in the Southern states while maintaining goodwill in the North.
Strategic Development Initiatives
Recognizing the need to reward political support, President Tinubu has established multiple development commissions, including the Northwest Development Commission, Northeast Development Commission, South-South Development Commission, and Southwest Development Commission. These commissions aim to fast-track economic and infrastructural growth in their respective regions, demonstrating the government’s commitment to balanced development.
Furthermore, the President’s intervention in security crises across the North has led to significant improvements, particularly in troubled regions like Kwajafa in Borno State and the Zuru-Gembu corridor. However, these successes have not received widespread recognition, reinforcing the need for a structured perception management framework.
Economic and Social Achievements
Despite global economic difficulties, the Tinubu administration has taken decisive steps to stabilize the Nigerian economy. Key achievements include:
Reduction in Inflation: Inflation dropped from 34.80% to 24.48% by February 2025.
Infrastructure Development: Completion of the 2nd Niger Bridge’s final phase, expansion of the Sokoto-Badagry Highway, and progress on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.
Energy Sector Growth: Power generation reached an all-time high of 6,003MW.
Improved Student Welfare: Over 400,000 students have accessed student loans, while NYSC members now receive ₦77,000 monthly allowances.
Wage Increases: The minimum wage has been raised to ₦70,000.
Reduction in Fuel Prices: Average fuel prices have dropped to ₦815 per liter.
Food Price Stabilization: Regulatory efforts have curbed price surges, ensuring availability during festive seasons.
Foreign Investment & Trade Surplus: Nigeria’s trade surplus surged by 209.6% to ₦18.86 trillion in 2024.
The government has also made significant strides in education, recognizing that low literacy levels (currently at 85% illiteracy) hinder democratic governance. Proposals for free education up to secondary school level are under discussion to improve literacy rates and civic awareness.
Strategizing for 2027 and Beyond
With an eye on the 2027 elections, the APC remains Nigeria’s most cohesive political party, offering a strong platform for national development. However, grassroots engagement and unconventional campaign strategies will be necessary to consolidate support, especially in Northern states.
Despite political opposition, Tinubu’s administration has positioned Nigeria for sustained economic growth and global relevance. Notably, Nigeria hosted “Detty December 2024,” attracting international tourism and generating billions in revenue—an unprecedented achievement in Nigeria’s history.
Conclusion
President Tinubu’s leadership has laid the groundwork for long-term economic transformation, but the success of his administration depends on effectively managing public perception. By emphasizing his achievements and countering misinformation, his government can strengthen public confidence and maintain its trajectory towards national development.
Princess Dr. Gloria. A. Adebajo-Fraser MFR.
Founder, The National Patriots.
Publisher, Headlinenews.news.
