Demola Olarewaju, Special Assistant on Digital Media Strategy to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has launched a strong criticism of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, saying the current economic hardship has made former President Muhammadu Buhari appear far better in public perception.
He made the remarks during an interview on Vanguard Politics Hub, where he described the present government as a complete failure across key sectors and called on Nigerians to vote the President out in the 2027 general election.
Olarewaju argued that the worsening economic situation under Tinubu has deepened hardship for citizens, pointing in particular to the sharp rise in fuel prices, which he said has completely changed the cost of living for ordinary Nigerians.
He said the administration’s biggest impact so far has been increasing poverty levels, insisting that the economic instability has left many Nigerians struggling more than before. He added that even critics who once rejected Buhari’s government are now comparing both eras and expressing regret over current conditions.
He referenced the drastic difference in fuel prices, claiming that what Nigerians paid per litre during Buhari’s tenure is now nearly ten times higher under the current administration. According to him, this has placed unbearable pressure on household incomes across the country.
The Atiku aide also accused President Tinubu of being disconnected from the everyday reality of citizens, especially in the power sector. He criticised the electricity banding system, which categorises consumers into different groups, saying it has not translated into improved power supply.
He added that despite the reforms, electricity remains unreliable for most Nigerians. He further claimed that the President is insulated from the situation, alleging that the Presidential Villa is no longer connected to the national grid, which he said removes leadership from the lived experience of ordinary people.
Beyond economic concerns, Olarewaju also raised alarm over rising insecurity, describing the situation as increasingly alarming. He said criminal groups now operate with boldness in several parts of the country, warning that insecurity is spreading closer to major urban centres.
He noted that almost every part of the country is now affected in one way or another, adding that incidents of bandit activity have become more frequent even in areas close to major cities.
Summing up his assessment, Olarewaju insisted that the current administration has not recorded meaningful progress since assuming office. He maintained that there is no sector where clear improvement can be pointed out, describing the government’s performance as a complete failure and urging Nigerians to consider a change in leadership come 2027.
