Former Senate President and Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Adolphus Wabara, has strongly criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent assertions that his administration has revived Nigeria’s economy.
Describing the president’s remarks as deeply disconnected from the realities on the ground, Wabara labeled the statement an “insult” to millions of Nigerians currently grappling with extreme economic hardship.
In a sharply worded reaction, Wabara emphasized that the lived experiences of Nigerians starkly contradict the president’s narrative.
“The reality on the ground does not support President Tinubu’s claims,” he said. “If he had truly improved the economy, Nigerians would be the first to testify. There would be no need for elaborate persuasion or propaganda.”
Wabara pointed to several key economic indicators—soaring inflation, widespread hunger, and deepening poverty—as proof that the nation’s economic situation is deteriorating rather than improving.
“It’s ironic that Mr. President is talking about economic revival when the economy is clearly deteriorating under his watch. The indices say otherwise,” he remarked.
The PDP stalwart argued that ordinary Nigerians are the most credible judges of economic progress, and they are not seeing the improvements being touted by the administration.
“Poor and hungry Nigerians do not need a lecture on economic revival. The first sign of improvement will be reflected in market prices, job availability, and the general cost of living,” he said.
In his remarks, Wabara called on President Tinubu to focus less on rhetorical statements and more on tangible, impactful reforms. He urged the President to use the remaining two years of his tenure to initiate practical economic measures that can genuinely uplift the standard of living for Nigerians. “There is still time for the President to make a difference, but it requires honest introspection and bold action,” he noted.
A key area of concern raised by the former Senate President was the issue of multiple taxation, which he said is suffocating businesses and worsening the economic environment.
He advised the Tinubu administration to review and streamline its tax policies, particularly those affecting small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which are the backbone of the Nigerian economy.
“The overburdening of businesses with taxes is counterproductive. It discourages investment, drives up prices, and pushes more Nigerians into poverty,” he explained.
Wabara also highlighted the country’s worsening security situation, linking it directly to the food crisis and economic instability.
According to him, the persistent attacks by bandits and criminal herders have forced thousands of farmers to flee their farmlands, thereby disrupting agricultural productivity and exacerbating food scarcity.
“Until we address insecurity in our rural areas, we cannot realistically expect to tackle hunger and reduce food prices. The farmers are afraid to return to their lands,” he warned.
In a broader critique, the PDP BoT Chairman accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of mismanaging what he described as a once-thriving economy inherited from the PDP. He stated that under PDP rule, Nigeria’s economy ranked among the top two in Africa, a status he claims has been reversed by the APC administration.
“When the PDP was in power, Nigeria’s economy was stable and growing. We had strong foreign reserves, low inflation, and better living standards. The APC has undone those gains,” Wabara asserted.
Despite his criticisms, Wabara ended on a note of optimism. He expressed confidence in the ability of the PDP to restore Nigeria’s economic health if returned to power in the next general elections. “We remain hopeful that with the return of the PDP in 2027, Nigeria’s economy will rebound. We have the experience, the expertise, and the will to rescue this country from its current path,” he concluded.