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.