Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, the former Special Adviser on Political Matters to Vice-President Kashim Shettima, has publicly criticized President Bola Tinubu, alleging a significant disconnect between the administration's rhetoric and the lived experiences of Nigerians.

Speaking during an interview on The Morning Show, Baba-Ahmed—who currently serves as the National Chairman of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP)—responded to recent remarks made by the President regarding his administration's progress.

The "Jigi-Bola" Controversy

The critique follows a statement by President Tinubu last week, in which he dismissed skeptics of his economic policies. The President suggested that those who fail to recognize the "hope" generated by his reforms are either biased or in need of vision correction, quipping:

“If they don’t want to see the hope… we shall lend them ‘jigi-bola’… eyeglasses.”

Baba-Ahmed characterized these comments as dismissive, arguing they signal a lack of awareness regarding the gravity of the nation's economic and security crises.

Key Criticisms Raised

Baba-Ahmed highlighted several areas where he believes the administration is failing to meet the needs of the populace:

• Economic Disparity: He argued that reforms touted on paper have failed to translate into improved living conditions, noting that citizens are facing unprecedented levels of hunger and desperation.

• Fiscal Accountability: He raised concerns over transparency, stating that the government has failed to adequately account for the funds it has received and utilized.

• Security Concerns: Despite government claims of progress, Baba-Ahmed asserted that the country has become increasingly insecure under the current leadership.

Political Implications

Looking ahead to future elections, Baba-Ahmed expressed confidence that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is vulnerable. He suggested that the administration's perceived "mindset" of self-congratulation amid public struggle would be its undoing in a transparent electoral process.

“There is no way you can live in this country, see the level of poverty and unaccountability, and still expect Nigerians to applaud your performance,” Baba-Ahmed stated. He concluded that if the President maintains this perspective into a free and fair election, the opposition is "home and dry.