President Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda is under fire as a faction of Afenifere accuses him of deepening Nigeria’s hardship.
The group claims the administration thrives on propaganda while the country sinks further into poverty, insecurity, and democratic decline.
A faction within the pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, has openly criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accusing him of betraying the trust Nigerians placed in his widely publicized “Renewed Hope” agenda. In a strongly worded midterm assessment released by the group, the Tinubu administration was said to have plunged the country deeper into socio-economic hardship, rather than delivering on its promises.
The midterm report, signed by the group’s Leader, Oba Oladipo Olaitan, and National Publicity Secretary, Justice Faloye, painted a grim picture of Nigeria’s current state under President Tinubu’s leadership. According to the report, every major index of human development and governance has deteriorated significantly since Tinubu assumed office, leaving the nation in what Afenifere described as a state of “regressing hopelessness and despair.”
Afenifere criticized the administration for resorting to heavy propaganda rather than accepting responsibility for the economic suffering being experienced across the country. The group stated that instead of admitting to poor policy decisions and wasteful government expenditure, the administration continues to exaggerate minor achievements while placing blame on global trends and past governments.
The statement also accused the government of committing critical policy errors, such as the removal of fuel subsidies and the floating of the naira, without implementing necessary measures to cushion their harsh effects. “What we have seen is not economic reform but economic deform,” the group said.
Despite promises to reduce the cost of governance, the group noted that the Oronsaye Report, an initiative aimed at streamlining government agencies has not been implemented. Instead, Afenifere argued, government spending has ballooned, with luxury purchases such as new presidential jets, Cadillac limousines, and N160 million vehicles for federal lawmakers. The report further condemned the increase in questionable constituency project funds, which it said serve as avenues for political patronage.
Afenifere also raised alarms over what it described as the centralization of power and the erosion of democratic structures. The group accused the administration of failing to devolve power, particularly in the area of state policing, and instead consolidating authority in a manner reminiscent of authoritarian regimes. According to the statement, Tinubu’s government is weakening democratic checks and balances by neutralizing the judiciary and the legislature, while also encroaching on the autonomy of local governments.
In addition to these claims, the group alleged that opposition voices have been systematically silenced over the past two years. Peaceful protesters, student activists, and labor unions, they said, have faced intimidation, disruption, and harassment. The report also pointed to the defection of opposition politicians to the ruling party, often to avoid political persecution. Allegations were made that internal divisions within opposition groups are being exacerbated by state-sponsored interference.
Afenifere expressed concern over recent appointments to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), suggesting that some of the appointees may have affiliations with the ruling party, potentially compromising electoral integrity.
“This has been a deeply painful and distressing period for many Nigerians,” the report stated. “Rather than working to improve the quality of life for citizens, the administration appears focused on securing victory in the 2027 elections.”
The group concluded by urging President Tinubu to reflect on the state of the nation and make a genuine effort to address the suffering of ordinary Nigerians. “No amount of political messaging or propaganda will erase the hunger and poverty that has become widespread,” Afenifere said. “For the sake of Nigeria and its people, the time to change course is now.”
