Nigeria’s Democratic and Economic Crisis Under Tinubu’s Administration

When the Senate passed the 2022 Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill on Wednesday, many Nigerians hoped it would correct the shortcomings exposed during the 2023 general elections. One major reform citizens had anticipated was legal backing for the compulsory real-time electronic transmission of election results. The Senate’s rejection of this proposal, however, dashed expectations of a more transparent and accountable electoral process. For many Nigerians, free and fair elections remain an unfulfilled aspiration. It is widely believed that credible elections are essential to addressing the country’s long-standing socio-economic problems. As the 2027 general elections approach, Nigerians are unwilling to tolerate a repeat of what many regard as the deeply flawed 2023 elections conducted under the previous leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). There is broad consensus that credible elections are the foundation of any genuine democracy. Majority of Nigerians want a new president in 2027.

There is little dispute over the assessment of President Bola Tinubu’s tenure so far, which many Nigerians describe as disastrous for the majority of the population. The administration’s anti-poor, neo-liberal policies have severely undermined livelihoods and weakened the economy. Petrol prices, for instance, have risen sharply at Tinubu’s inauguration on May 29, 2023.. Food prices have also soared, while the cost of interstate transportation, air travel, and water transport has increased dramatically. Workers now spend over 20 percent of their income on transportation, and more than half of Nigerians devote nearly all their earnings to food, leaving many families unable to afford three meals a day. Hunger has become widespread.

Tinubu’s policies since he came into office, particularly the removal of fuel subsidies and the devaluation of the naira, have stifled the national economy. The manufacturing sector has been hit especially hard, with its contribution to GDP declining significantly. Growth has slowed due to weak consumer demand, escalating production costs, and diminished purchasing power. Several multinational companies have either exited the country or shut down operations entirely. Under this administration, many Nigerians feel increasingly oppressed, as constitutionally guaranteed rights and freedoms, once central to the struggle against military rule, appear to be steadily eroding. Civic space has narrowed considerably, leaving citizens feeling increasingly restricted.

Fundamental freedoms, including the rights to expression, assembly, and association, are frequently violated. Activists, bloggers, and journalists face harassment, arrest, and prosecution for exercising their right to free speech. Protests have effectively been criminalized, while controversial court orders obtained by federal and state governments have confined demonstrations to designated parks,measures widely viewed as attempts to suppress public opposition to anti-poor policies.

At the same time, President Tinubu is widely perceived as governing with unchecked power, having weakened both the legislature and the judiciary, thereby turning his administration into what critics describe as a civilian dictatorship. The unconstitutional declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State heightened concerns about the erosion of constitutional norms and fears that Nigeria is drifting toward authoritarianism. These political challenges are compounded by a deteriorating security situation. Kidnapping, banditry, and violent crime have escalated across the country. So many persons have been killed since Tinubu assumed office, several persons killed in Benue State and in Plateau State. More than 600 villages have been overrun by bandits, triggering severe humanitarian crises that have received little government attention. This comes in addition to the tens of thousands killed in the North East by Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents, as well as the more than two million people displaced. Who will be President of Nigeria in 2027? Time shall tell.

Kenneth Uwadi is the Coordinator of Youths for Human Rights Protection and Transparency Initiative.