The pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, has delivered a harsh assessment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, saying his “Renewed Hope” campaign has brought only disappointment, pain, and despair to Nigerians.
In a strongly worded statement released on Sunday, the group declared that two years into the President’s term, life has become increasingly unbearable for the majority of citizens.
According to the statement jointly signed by Afenifere’s Leader, Oba Oladipo Olaitan, and its National Publicity Secretary, Justice Faloye, every major index used to measure national progress—whether economic, social, or political—has taken a downward turn since Tinubu assumed office.
They noted that the administration has been more focused on creating a false image of success than addressing the real challenges affecting Nigerians.
“The Midterm Report shows that every human development and sociopolitical index has regressed since the coming to office of the President Bola Tinubu administration, turning the promise of renewed hope to a nightmare of regressing hopelessness and despair,” the statement read.
They further noted that the President has refused to take responsibility for what they described as “unforced errors,” including the abrupt removal of fuel subsidies and the floating of the naira without adequate preparation. These decisions, Afenifere said, deepened poverty and hardship across the country.
On economic matters, Afenifere criticized the government for acting in favor of elites and political allies, while ignoring the plight of the common people.
They pointed to inflated projects, selective salary increases, and the distribution of palliatives through questionable means. “It is obvious that the Tinubu administration has no intention of delivering the greatest good the greatest number of Nigerians,” they said.
The statement also addressed concerns over rising government spending, accusing the administration of living lavishly at the public’s expense. They cited the purchase of luxury cars, new presidential jets, and increased legislative allocations as proof that the government has failed to practice the frugality it preaches.
Afenifere raised alarms over increasing attacks on Nigeria’s democratic structures. They claim the administration is attempting to centralize power, suppress dissent, and weaken institutions meant to provide checks and balances.
According to them, peaceful protests are now met with repression, while opposition groups and political parties are allegedly being destabilized from within, sometimes with government involvement.
“In the last two years, we have witnessed a markedly increase in intolerance of protests by dissenting civic groups,” the statement continued, referencing alleged clampdowns on students, labour unions, and civil society organizations.
The group also expressed concern about appointments to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which they claim include individuals with clear ties to the ruling party, thereby compromising its neutrality.
They warned that hunger, unemployment, and worsening living conditions cannot be covered up by propaganda, urging the President to change course and show real commitment to the well-being of Nigerians.
“If this Midterm Report was an academic exercise, the student will receive an advice to withdraw from the examiner,” the group stated. However, they ended on a hopeful note, saying redemption is still possible if the President listens and puts the people first.
