posted 14th April 2025
Concerns Mount Over President Tinubu’s Leadership Amid Allegations of Misrule
LAGOS, 14 April 2025 – Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu faces growing criticism over his administration’s handling of critical national issues, with accusations ranging from authoritarianism to neglect of pressing security and economic challenges. Critics argue that his leadership has exacerbated divisions and eroded public trust, while supporters maintain that his policies aim to address long-standing structural issues. Below, we examine the key grievances fuelling this discontent.
State of Emergency in Rivers State Sparks Controversy
In March 2025, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending the governor, deputy governor, and state lawmakers for six months following a political crisis and an oil pipeline explosion. The move, justified by Tinubu as a response to vandalism by militants and political instability, has been widely condemned as an overreach. The Nigerian Bar Association labelled it “unconstitutional,” while the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) accused the president of attempting “state capture.” Critics argue this decision evokes memories of military rule, undermining democratic governance in the oil-rich state. The presidency insists the measure was necessary to restore order, but the lack of clarity on its implementation has deepened public unease.
Unabated Killings in Plateau State
The persistent violence in Plateau State, where over 300 people have reportedly been killed by gunmen in recent months, has drawn sharp criticism of Tinubu’s security strategy. Detractors claim the administration has failed to act decisively, allowing intercommunal clashes and banditry to spiral unchecked. The absence of robust federal intervention has led to accusations of indifference, with local communities expressing frustration over the government’s inability to protect lives. While Tinubu inherited a complex security landscape, critics argue his administration has yet to articulate a coherent plan to address such crises, leaving vulnerable populations exposed.
Soaring Cost of Living Fuels Public Discontent
Nigeria’s economic woes, particularly the high cost of living, have intensified under Tinubu’s tenure. The removal of fuel subsidies in May 2023, a policy Tinubu defended as essential to curb fiscal waste, has driven inflation to a three-decade high. Coupled with the unification of exchange rates, this has drastically increased the prices of basic goods, placing immense pressure on ordinary Nigerians. The Nigeria Labour Congress has voiced widespread frustration, warning of growing hardship, especially among the middle class. While the government highlights initiatives like student loans and consumer credit schemes as relief measures, many Nigerians feel these fall short of addressing immediate needs, fuelling perceptions of an out-of-touch administration.
Allegations of Dictatorial Tendencies and Free Speech Clampdown
Concerns about democratic backsliding have surfaced, with critics accusing Tinubu of displaying dictatorial tendencies. Reports of restrictions on free speech, including the detention of journalists and activists, have raised alarms. A notable case involves a National Youth Service Corps member in Lagos who faced repercussions after criticising the government’s economic policies online. Opposition figures argue that such actions signal a broader clampdown on dissent, undermining Nigeria’s democratic gains. Tinubu, a key figure in the 1990s pro-democracy movement, has faced particular scrutiny for these alleged contradictions, with groups like Amnesty International urging his administration to prioritise human rights. The government denies these claims, asserting that security measures are proportionate to public safety needs.
Nepotism and Yoruba-Dominated Appointments
Tinubu’s appointment record has sparked accusations of nepotism, with critics claiming that key positions disproportionately favour individuals from his Yoruba ethnic group. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the PDP have condemned what they describe as “state-sponsored bigotry,” arguing that the administration’s failure to reflect Nigeria’s diversity violates the constitutional principle of federal character. A notable example is the appointment of Tinubu’s son-in-law as head of the Federal Housing Authority, which critics cite as evidence of cronyism. Defenders of the president argue that appointments are merit-based, but the perception of ethnic bias continues to stoke tensions in a country with deep regional divides.
Governing from Abroad and Drug Scandal Allegations
Speculation that Tinubu is governing Nigeria from abroad, particularly France, has added to the narrative of a detached presidency. Frequent international trips, framed by the administration as efforts to attract investment, have drawn criticism from those who believe domestic crises demand greater attention. More controversially, allegations of Tinubu’s involvement in a 1990s drug trafficking scandal in the United States have resurfaced. Court documents indicate he forfeited $460,000 in 1993 over links to a Chicago-based heroin ring, though he was neither indicted nor convicted. These claims, amplified by opposition voices, remain unproven but continue to cast a shadow over his presidency. The administration has dismissed them as baseless, urging focus on its reform agenda.
A Polarised Nation Awaits Answers
As Nigeria grapples with these challenges, Tinubu’s leadership is at a crossroads. Supporters argue that his economic reforms, though painful, are necessary for long-term stability, and his political acumen—honed as Lagos State governor—equips him to navigate these crises. However, the mounting allegations of misrule threaten to erode his legitimacy, particularly among a populace weary of unfulfilled promises. With opposition parties and civil society demanding accountability, the coming months will test Tinubu’s ability to bridge Nigeria’s divides and restore confidence in his administration.
