Nigerians have reacted fiercely to President Bola Tinubu’s midterm self-assessment, with critics from opposition parties, civil society groups, and ethnic organisations dismissing his speech as empty rhetoric that fails to address the nation’s worsening economic and security crises. The Ohanaeze Ndigbo described Tinubu’s two-year scorecard as “heavily tainted by the incompetence and corruption of his appointees,” blaming what it termed the “Yorubanisation” of his administration for undermining national unity. While commending a few ministers like Dave Umahi and Nyesom Wike, Ohanaeze warned that the government’s failures could lead to political consequences in 2027.
In a similar vein, John Chuma Nwosu, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate for the Anambra governorship election, criticised Tinubu’s anniversary speech as a vacuous performance, arguing that Nigerians are “worse off than they were two years ago.” He described Tinubu’s policies as “knee-jerk reactions” that have worsened the cost-of-living crisis, pointing to soaring fuel prices, a devalued naira, and widespread poverty. Nwosu urged Nigerians to hold their leaders accountable through protest votes, warning against normalising extreme suffering.
Civil society groups like the #EndBadGovernance Movement, JAF, and Youth Arise Movement also condemned the administration’s performance, accusing the government of reckless borrowing, suppressing dissent, and ignoring the worsening insecurity across the country. They criticised Tinubu’s economic policies as an IMF-imposed agenda rejected by Nigerians, and called for nationwide protests on June 12 to demand accountability and an end to anti-people policies. They also demanded the release of detained protesters and transparency on recovered public funds.
In response, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) defended Tinubu’s policies, blaming past administrations for Nigeria’s current challenges and asking Nigerians to be patient. APC’s spokesperson, Felix Morka, likened the economic hardship to a child learning to walk, insisting that Tinubu’s reforms are necessary for long-term progress. However, critics warned that unless Tinubu changes course and reshuffles his cabinet, the administration risks losing public trust and could face a major political backlash in 2027.
