Politics
Nigeria at Its Worst? Why 83% of Nigerians Have Lost Trust in the Presidency
Nigeria at Its Worst? Why 83% of Nigerians Have Lost Trust in the Presidency.
By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by saharaweeklyng.com
“An Evidence-Based Examination of Public Discontent Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
As Nigeria enters 2026, a staggering verdict is emerging from the very people who carry the nation’s hopes and bear the cost of its burdens: more than eight out of every ten Nigerians now express little to no trust in the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and key national institutions. Recent independent surveys unequivocally reveal deep-seated public dissatisfaction with governance, underscoring why a broad segment of the population perceives his presidency as one of the most disappointing in Nigeria’s history.
This article does not traffic in unfounded rhetoric or partisan opinion. What follows is a grounded, data-driven exploration of the frustrations gripping Nigeria and rooted firmly in credible public opinion research, verified public polls and widely documented socio-economic realities.
I. The Numbers Speak Louder Than Words.
The most damning indictment of President Tinubu’s leadership comes from the 2025 Nigeria Social Cohesion Survey released by the Africa Polling Institute (API); a respected, non-partisan research think-tank.
According to the report:
83% of Nigerians express little to no trust in President Tinubu’s federal government.
82% do not trust the National Assembly.
79% lack confidence in the judiciary.
Over half (53%) of Nigerians say they feel disappointed in Nigeria’s state as a nation.
Such figures are not marginal; they indicate systemic distrust. By comparison, most functioning democracies see trust metrics in the range of 60 to 80% for their executive branches during good performance periods. Nigeria’s plummeting trust index underscores a crisis of confidence not mere political disagreement.
Furthermore, past approval metrics also emphasize public disapproval: One mid-term poll placed President Tinubu’s approval rating at a low 37%, with disapproval significantly outpacing approval.
II. Why Public Trust Has Eroded.
A. Economic Hardship and Daily Life.
Economic challenges have been the most pervasive concern voiced by Nigerians across regions and demographics. Independent surveys consistently show that:
Nearly 65% of respondents say that economic hardship and the rising cost of living are the most pressing problems facing the country under Tinubu’s administration.
Only 12.5% believe his reform agenda has greatly benefited the average Nigerian.
A key turning point was the removal of petrol subsidies, a policy widely criticised for its sudden implementation and weak cushioning mechanisms. While some economists argue this move was long overdue, millions of ordinary Nigerians experienced rapid price inflation, higher transport costs and a sharp drop in purchasing power.
The Africa Polling Institute’s data reinforce this reality, showing that rising prices for food, transport and basic services have become day-to-day struggles for families across the country.
B. Insecurity and Public Safety.
For any government, ensuring citizens safety is a fundamental obligation. And on this front, Nigerians increasingly feel abandoned:
Kidnappings, banditry and violent crime have surged in many states, prompting schools to shut campuses and families to live in fear. Observers have noted that insecurity remains one of the defining obstacles to national progress.
Even when security agencies report tactical gains, many Nigerians insist that the lived reality on the ground contradicts official narratives as a gap between state claims and citizens daily experiences.
C. Weakening National Cohesion.
The API survey’s Social Cohesion Index (recorded at just 46.8%) indicates that Nigerians are more fragmented and distrustful of institutions than at any point in recent survey history. When trust falters in the executive, legislative and judicial branches simultaneously, the very glue that holds a nation together begins to weaken.
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar described 2025 as “one of the most punishing years in Nigeria’s recent history”, attributing rising poverty and insecurity to missteps by the Tinubu administration.
III. Public Leaders and Experts: What They Are Saying.
This is not merely a grassroots grievance; respected national voices, including academics, analysts and even figures within the political elite, have been openly critical.
Renowned governance expert Professor Bell Ihua, commenting on the API survey, observed that the pervasive distrust in government institutions reflects a profound crisis of leadership and social contract.
Former Kaduna state governor Nasir El-Rufai claimed in an independent poll that the Tinubu government suffers from a 91% disapproval rating nationwide which is a striking statement even by political opposition standards.
These critiques resonate with public sentiment: when those entrusted with public office at all levels are seen as falling short, citizens’ frustration becomes palpable and widespread.
IV. The Broader Consequences of Widespread Disapproval.
A. Democratic Instability.
When public trust falls below critical thresholds (below 50%), democracies often encounter heightened volatility—rising polarization, weakened civil institutions and challenges to legitimacy. Nigeria’s low trust metrics signal deeper issues than policy dissatisfaction; they reflect a populace that feels increasingly unheard and unprotected.
B. Economic Stagnation and Brain Drain.
With rising living costs and limited opportunities, many Nigerians consider relocating abroad. Reports show that a majority express dissatisfaction with their current quality of life, and many would choose to migrate if given the chance.
This represents not just an economic loss but a tragic drain of human potential—the very talents needed to build Nigeria’s future.
V. A Nation at a Crossroads.
It is easy to dismiss public dissatisfaction as mere political noise, but the numbers tell a stark truth: Nigeria stands at a critical inflection point. When more than eight out of ten citizens have lost faith in the presidency, the danger is not only poor leadership; it is the erosion of the social contract that binds a diverse nation.
As political theorist Francis Fukuyama once wrote, “‘Trust is the foundation of all institutions and the lifeblood of healthy governance.’” In a country where trust is failing, the road ahead must be one of national dialogue, institutional reform and renewed commitment to citizen welfare.
Whether Nigerians are justified in claiming that the current presidency is the “worst in history” remains a matter of interpretation. Though the overwhelming evidence of public discontent, institutional distrust, economic hardship and insecurity paints a sobering picture of leadership in crisis.
If Nigeria is to recover its collective hope, strong and responsive governance (rooted in transparent accountability and genuine public engagement) is urgently needed. Only then can trust be rebuilt and Nigeria’s promise be restored.
Politics
Ogun Central To Host Final Zonal Townhall Meeting for Sen. Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, April 30
Ogun Central To Host Final Zonal Townhall Meeting for Sen. Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, April 30
-.Removes Hon.Olugbenga Lekuti as Deputy Director General,Ogun East
One of the leading Political Groups, Ogun Visionaries is set to host the final zonal edition of the Sen. Solomon Adeola Yayi town hall meetings in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital. The Ogun Central Edition, scheduled for April 30, 2026, aims to engage the electorate and push for Senator Yayi’s Governorship bid in 2027.
The event is themed ‘Ogun 2027: Yayi For All,’ marking the finale of the zonal town hall meetings.
Addressing Journalists on Tuesday in Abeokuta, Ogun State Capital,the Director General of Ogun Visionaries, Hon. Leye Odunjo, said the meeting will draw key stakeholders from Ogun Central’s political power circle.
Hon.odunjo stated that the event will kick off with a health walk, ‘Ogun Visionaries For Yayi Unity Walk,’ in the morning of April 30, 2026.The walk is themed ‘Let’s Walk for A United and Prosperous Ogun State,’ aiming to rally support for Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola Governorship aspiration.
“The town hall meeting is expected to feature prominent personalities, including Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola Yayi as the Special Guest of Honour. The event will provide a platform for interaction and engagement with the electorate”.
Ogun Visionaries has successfully held town hall meetings in Ogun West and Ogun East senatorial districts. The Ogun Central Edition is the final zonal meeting before moving to LGAs and wards.
The Director General while acknowledging the support received from various personalities since inception of the group,disclosed that distinguished individuals would be honoured with Award of Recognition during the event.
Odunjo, who is also a Senior Legislative Aide to the Deputy Senate President said “The political atmosphere in Ogun State is reportedly in tune with the people’s yearning for Yayi’s emergence. Ogun Visionaries is at the forefront of making this a reality.
“The event aims to unite stakeholders and push for a prosperous Ogun State. With Senator Yayi’s popularity growing, the meeting is expected to draw a large turnout.
“The Ogun Central Edition will provide a platform for stakeholders to interact and engage with the electorate. The event is seen as a crucial step towards achieving the group’s goals.
“Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola Yayi’s presence is expected to energize supporters and further boost his campaign for 2027” he added
Meanwhile, Ogun Visionaries has announced removal of Hon Olugbenga Lekuti as the Deputy Director General, DDG,Ogun East, of the group.
Announcing the removal in a brief statement made available to Journalists, Hon.Odunjo stated that Hon.Lekuti was relieved of the position as a result of his anti -group and anti -Yayi’s acts.
He added that a new Deputy Director General would be announced in due course.
Politics
Political Earthquake in Kano: How, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Nasiru Gawuna’s Move to ADC Reshapes North-West Politics
Political Earthquake in Kano: How, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Nasiru Gawuna’s Move to ADC Reshapes North-West Politics
The political atmosphere of Nigeria’s North-West was fundamentally altered on a sweltering afternoon in 2026 after Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso former Governor of Kano State and Former Minister for Defence who is also the “Grand Commander” of the Red-Cap revolution, finalized a move that many viewed as the ultimate masterstroke of his political career. By transitioning from the NNPP to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Kwankwaso did more than change platforms; he effectively reset the coordinates of the nation’s largest voting bloc.
Senator Kwankwaso’s pedigree is defined by a singular devotion to human capital development and an almost mythical grassroots loyalty preceded him. He turned a local movement, the Kwankwasiyya, into a disciplined, ideological army that transcends traditional party structures. His entry into the ADC instantly transformed a secondary party into a formidable fortress, signaling to the ruling elite that the North-West is no longer a monolith under their control.
The gravity of this shift is most profound in Kano, the heartbeat of Northern commerce. For years, the state was a polarized battlefield between the Kwankwasiyya and established conservative wings. However, the entry of Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna into the same ADC orbit has created a “Kano Super-Alliance” that was previously unthinkable. Kwankwaso, the visionary architect who sent thousands of Kano’s children to global universities, now finds his populist ideology merging with Gawuna’s administrative steadiness and deep-rooted institutional connections.
This synergy is a seismic departure from the politics of “zero-sum” rivalry; it is a calculated fusion of mass appeal and the strategic machinery required to protect and deliver votes.
This move reshuffles the entire North-West deck. As Kwankwaso plants the ADC flag across the region, he is attracting a wave of heavyweights from Kaduna to Sokoto who feel marginalized by the status quo. His political pedigree allows him to speak with a regional authority that others lack, positioning himself as a protector during a time of economic uncertainty. By bringing Gawuna into this fold, the dynamics of Kano politics have shifted from a war of attrition to a coalition of necessity. This alliance creates a “Third Way” that bypasses the failures of the old guard, promising a return to the rapid growth that defined the Kwankwaso years, but with a broader, more inclusive base that could dictate the occupant of Aso Rock in 2027.
Kwankwaso’s career has always been defined by a uniquely personal brand of power. From 1999 to 2015, he served two terms as Governor of Kano State, in addition to roles as Minister of Defence and Senator. While many were surprised by his recent maneuvers; especially following closed-door meetings with President Bola Tinubu, he chose the emerging ADC over the ruling APC.
In the high-stakes theater of Nigerian politics, few events have jolted the region quite like the defection of Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna from the APC to the ADC on March 31, 2026. Coming just twenty-four hours after Kwankwaso’s move, Gawuna’s transition fundamentally has also altered the political calculus in Kano. What makes this moment remarkable is the sheer drama of the reversal. Gawuna’s political journey has been a steady, calculated ascent through Kano’s establishment. He first shot to prominence as Commissioner of Agriculture under Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, earning a reputation for hands-on management in a state where farming is the economic backbone. He eventually rose to Deputy Governor, serving for nearly six years and gaining invaluable executive experience. Beyond partisan politics, Gawuna distinguished himself as Chairman of the Governing Council of Bayero University and, most recently, as Chairman of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN). He resigned from the FMBN on March 27, 2026, citing compliance with presidential directives regarding political appointees.
A look back at the 2023 gubernatorial election reveals just how significant Gawuna is. Running under the APC, he polled over 890,000 votes against the formidable Kwankwasiyya machine. This proved that he is one of the few politicians in Kano who can genuinely compete with Kwankwaso’s electoral machinery. His strength is threefold: he appeals to the youth, the religious establishment (Ulama), and the business community; he has the capacity to split the APC vote; and he has demonstrated he can deliver votes independently of a larger party wave. To understand the magnitude of this defection, one must appreciate the complete inversion of alliances since 2023. Back then, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf ran on the NNPP ticket with Kwankwaso’s backing, while Gawuna carried the APC banner with Ganduje’s support. By 2027, the roles will likely reverse: Governor Yusuf is positioned to run under the APC with Ganduje’s blessing, while Gawuna is poised to run under the ADC with Kwankwaso’s endorsement.
From the perspective of the Kwankwasiyya movement, Gawuna’s arrival is a “return” rather than a “recruitment,” as he was part of the movement’s pioneer cohort. This narrative neutralizes accusations of opportunism. For his part, Gawuna framed his move in terms of service and divine guidance, with sources indicating he felt marginalized within the APC after his 2023 defeat.
The reaction from within the APC has been one of worry and regret. President Tinubu, recognizing the stakes, reportedly directed party leaders to prevent Gawuna’s move, even offering him an automatic Senatorial ticket for 2027. The failure of this pressure campaign, Gawuna reportedly placed his phone on “Do Not Disturb” and traveled abroad to avoid lobbyists represents a significant defeat for the presidency’s political management. This crisis prompted emergency meetings between President Tinubu, Dr. Ganduje, and Badaru Abubakar at the Presidential Villa to reorganize their strategy.
The long-term implication is the potential break of the APC-PDP duopoly. The ADC is now positioning itself as a genuine “third force” in the North-West. The defection of high-profile figures like Senator Ahmed Babba-Kaita, Senator Aishatu “Binani” Ahmed, and former Justice Minister Abubakar Malami suggests a coordinated realignment. This competition could force more substantive policy debates and reduce the “zero-sum” intensity of regional elections.
The projected 2027 gubernatorial rematch between Gawuna (ADC) and Governor Yusuf (APC) will be a battle between two men with established records. Voters will have a genuine choice between performance and platform rather than just shifting loyalties. As Gawuna put it: “Allah gives power to whom He wants and when He wants.” While the 2027 elections will reveal where that power flows, it is already clear that the political landscape of the North-West will never look the same again.
Politics
Governor Dauda Lawal Approves Gratuity Payment
Governor Dauda Lawal Approves Gratuity Payment
The Zamfara State Government, under the visionary leadership of Governor Dauda Lawal, has approved the release of funds for the payment of Gratuity Batch 3 for the 2024/25 period. This decisive action underscores the administration’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of retired civil servants who dedicated years of service to the state’s development.
The Accountant General of the State is already working diligently to ensure that all eligible retirees receive their payments promptly and efficiently, reflecting the government’s resolve to uphold transparency and accountability in the disbursement process.
This timely gratuity payment is a testament to Governor Dauda Lawal’s people-centered leadership, which recognizes the sacrifices and contributions of retirees to the progress and stability of Zamfara State. It also reaffirms the government’s pledge to honor its financial obligations without unnecessary delays.
The Zamfara State Government calls on all retirees in the affected batch to exercise patience as the necessary administrative and financial processes are finalized. Every effort is being made to ensure smooth and uninterrupted payments.
This initiative is part of Governor Dauda Lawal’s broader vision to empower citizens and retirees, strengthen confidence in public service, and sustain the morale of those who have committed their lives to the growth of Zamfara State.
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