Alhaji Yahaya Ndu, a former presidential candidate of the African Renaissance Party, has sharply criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic policies, calling them “thoughtless” and detrimental to Nigeria’s economic stability. In an interview with PUNCH, Ndu claimed that these policies are pushing many Nigerians into extreme poverty.
He described Tinubu’s governance as a “civilian dictatorship,” expressing profound discontent with the current administration’s approach. Ndu emphasized the importance of mass participation in democracy, asserting that it should involve active citizen engagement beyond mere electoral processes.
Highlighting a disconnect between the government and citizens, Ndu noted that the combined votes of Tinubu and other major candidates in the recent elections represented less than 20% of Nigeria’s population. He argued that the current leadership cannot claim to be new to the issues at hand, as many top officials have been part of the government since 2015.
Ndu criticized the decision to remove fuel subsidies, labeling it the worst choice of Tinubu’s presidency. He stated that the abrupt elimination of subsidies, conducted without a cabinet, reflects dictatorial governance. He suggested that instead of dismantling illegal refineries, the government should have regulated them to produce affordable fuel, comparing Nigeria’s fuel prices unfavorably with Libya’s, where petrol is sold for significantly less.
Ndu concluded by stressing the need for collective problem-solving, urging for contributions from various sectors to create a comprehensive plan for Nigeria’s advancement. He believes that only through unity and collaboration can the country address its pressing challenges.
