President Bola Ahmed Tinubu marks his second year in office, a surge of public outcry and opposition backlash has spotlighted deepening national woes—spanning inflation, insecurity, youth unemployment, and growing national debt. Political stakeholders, opposition leaders, and civil society groups are sounding alarms over what they describe as an “unprecedented decline” in the country’s economic and social wellbeing under the current administration.
From his two years in office inauguration on May 29, 2023, President Tinubu initiated sweeping reforms—foremost among them the removal of fuel subsidies, the floating of the naira, and the unification of foreign exchange markets. While his government has framed these actions as long-overdue measures for economic stability, critics argue the effects have been catastrophic for the average Nigerian.
Nigeria’s inflation rate, which hovered at 22.41% when Tinubu took office, has ballooned to over 36%, according to recent data from the National Bureau of Statistics. Food prices have more than doubled in many parts of the country, with petrol prices skyrocketing from ₦187 to over ₦1,000 per litre. The exchange rate for the naira has crashed from ₦460/$1 to more than ₦1,600/$1, eroding consumer purchasing power and crippling businesses.
Former Vice President and 2023 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, minced no words in his scathing review:
“In just two years, President Tinubu’s administration has proven to be one of the most disconnected and anti-people governments in Nigeria’s democratic history. This government has not only deepened poverty but also institutionalised waste and elitism.”
Atiku noted that under Tinubu’s leadership, Nigeria has surpassed war-torn Sudan as Africa’s capital of malnourished children, citing the 2024 Global Hunger Index.
He also decried the government’s 150% increase in public debt—from ₦49 trillion in 2023 to ₦144 trillion as of mid-2025—arguing that reckless borrowing, not prudent investment, is now the face of Tinubu’s economic governance.
Other political actors are echoing similar concerns. PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, labelled Tinubu’s administration as “a massive disappointment,” citing widespread hunger, insecurity, and job losses.
“The naira has crashed. Fuel prices have hit the ceiling. Inflation is near 40%. Over 42% of youth are unemployed, and millions of businesses have folded. Under Tinubu, Nigeria is fast becoming a failed state,” Ologunagba stated.
The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) described the last two years as “a descent into economic chaos,” lamenting the surge in out-of-school children from 20 million to nearly 40 million. “Even Abuja is no longer safe,” said CUPP spokesman, Mark Adebayo, who accused Tinubu of presiding over worsening insecurity and institutional decay.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) also joined the chorus, denouncing the APC-led government as out of touch with reality. ADC National Chairman, Ralph Nwosu, said:
> “This administration has become more Machiavellian than even the military. Any true democrat would be ashamed of what Tinubu’s government has become.”
Falalu Bello of the PRP added that the proposed 2025 budget—allegedly padded by over ₦6 trillion—exemplifies the administration’s wasteful spending, even as Nigerians drown in debt and hardship.
Security remains a flashpoint of national debate. According to PDP claims, over 600,000 Nigerians have been killed by terrorists and bandits since May 2023. States such as Benue, Plateau, Zamfara, and even parts of the Federal Capital Territory have witnessed surging attacks from armed groups.
The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) expressed alarm over the government’s seeming failure to respond to these threats. “Despite Governor Zulum of Borno raising the alarm on renewed Boko Haram attacks, the government has remained sluggish and reactive,” said NNPP’s spokesman, Ladipo Johnson.
The Nigeria Police, Civil Defence, and armed forces have reportedly been underfunded, even as government officials spend lavishly on convoys, trips, and luxury acquisitions.
Another major concern is the decay in education and health systems. CUPP noted that public universities have raised tuition fees dramatically without adequate student support. Meanwhile, the National Identity Management Commission recently introduced a 75% fee hike, introducing VIP options for basic citizenship services.
Healthcare has also taken a nosedive. With dilapidated facilities and underpaid professionals, Nigeria’s hospitals are described as “consulting clinics” by critics.
“The president and top government officials routinely seek medical care abroad, leaving ordinary Nigerians to die from treatable conditions,” said Adebayo.
Doctors continue to emigrate in droves due to poor working conditions, exacerbating the medical brain drain.
Opposition parties also warn of what they call “emerging authoritarianism.” From aggressive taxation to alleged media censorship and clampdowns on online expression, several stakeholders accuse the APC of attempting to turn Nigeria into a one-party state.
“There’s increasing use of security agencies to silence critics,” Nwosu added. “We are witnessing the death of free speech and the rise of a surveillance state.”
Despite the barrage of criticism, the All Progressives Congress (APC) maintains that Tinubu’s administration is on the right path. APC Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, dismissed the opposition’s remarks as political envy.
“No government in our history has taken bolder steps towards economic restructuring and long-term recovery,” he argued, adding that the President’s efforts would yield results in due time.
Ibrahim acknowledged that hardship exists but stressed that Tinubu inherited a broken system. “He’s laying the foundation for future prosperity,” he said.
With three years left in his tenure, President Tinubu faces mounting pressure to reverse Nigeria’s economic decline and tackle insecurity. His administration must also rebuild trust with a citizenry growing weary of broken promises.
Political observers say the next few months could prove decisive. Labour unions are already threatening strikes, while the opposition is consolidating ahead of the 2027 elections.
“Tinubu must listen, not dismiss concerns as mere politics,” said political analyst Dr. Habeeb Alade. “The people are speaking loudly. The question is whether this administration will hear them in time.”