The pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, Afenifere, has issued a scathing midterm assessment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, declaring that his government has "woefully failed Nigerians," turning the promised "Renewed Hope" into a "nightmare of regressing hopelessness and despair."

In a strongly worded press release signed by its leader, Oba Oladipo Olaitan, and National Publicity Secretary, Justice Faloye, Afenifere accused the Tinubu administration of "economic deforms," reckless policies, and a lack of empathy for ordinary citizens suffering under worsening living conditions.

Key Condemnations in Afenifere’s Report

1. Economic Collapse – The report highlights a drastic decline in Nigeria’s GDP, which the IMF projects will crash to $188.27 billion in 2025, down from $363.8 billion under Buhari and $574 billion during Jonathan’s tenure. Over 7 million businesses have reportedly shut down since 2023.

2. Debt Explosion – Despite subsidy removal and naira devaluation, Nigeria’s public debt has surged by over N100 trillion in two years, from N87.91 trillion in 2023 to a projected N187.79 trillion in 2025. In dollar terms, debt rose from $108.23 billion to $142.47 billion.

3. Poverty Catastrophe – The World Bank estimates poverty has risen from 38.9% in 2023 to 54%, with 133 million Nigerians now living in poverty. GDP per capita has collapsed from $3,222 in 2014 to a mere $806 in 2025, with 33 million facing starvation.

4. Housing Crisis – About 30 million Nigerians are homeless, while 108 million live in substandard housing. The government’s plan to build 20,000 houses annually is deemed grossly inadequate for a population growing by 6 million per year.

5. Profligate Governance – Despite economic hardship, the government has refused to cut costs, instead increasing spending on luxuries like a new presidential jet, N160 million cars for each lawmaker, and unchecked constituency projects.

6. Insecurity Surge – Over 10,000 Nigerians have been killed under Tinubu’s watch, with two new terrorist groups emerging. Afenifere blames the refusal to allow state police for escalating violence.

7. Democratic Erosion – The administration is accused of centralizing power, weakening federalism, and suppressing dissent, with opposition figures defecting to the ruling party to avoid persecution.

"Tinubu’s Economic Reforms Have Become Economic Deforms"

Afenifere particularly criticized Tinubu’s "unforced errors,” including the hasty removal of fuel subsidies and floating the naira without cushioning effects, which they say have "inflicted unmitigated suffering" on Nigerians.

The group dismissed government claims of progress as "massive propaganda", accusing officials of shifting blame to global factors while ignoring policy failures.

Call for Reflection and Redemption

While Afenifere described Tinubu’s performance as an "academic failure deserving withdrawal," it urged the president to "reflect, love Nigeria, and change course" ahead of 2027.

"No amount of propaganda will erase hunger and poverty," the statement declared. "Only selfless leadership can save Nigeria, not prebendalist and hedonistic governance."