The National Chairman of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has said President Bola Tinubu is disconnected from the realities facing ordinary Nigerians, especially in the areas of economy and security.
Baba-Ahmed, who once served as a special adviser on political matters to Vice-President Kashim Shettima, made the remarks during an interview on Arise Television programme, The Morning Show. He criticized recent comments made by President Tinubu, saying they showed a lack of understanding of the hardship in the country.
The controversy followed remarks by President Tinubu in which he responded to opposition criticism. The President had said those who fail to see progress under his administration would need “prescription glasses,” adding humorously that the government could “lend them ‘jigi-bola’… eyeglasses.”
The statement sparked mixed reactions across political circles and social media, with supporters describing it as a light-hearted response, while critics argued that it downplayed the severity of Nigeria’s challenges.
Reacting to the President’s comment, Baba-Ahmed said such statements raised serious concerns about how the government views the current situation in the country.
“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,” he said.
He argued that many Nigerians are currently facing rising hardship, with the cost of living increasing and insecurity still a major concern in several parts of the country.
According to him, government reforms have not translated into real improvement in the lives of citizens. He said the situation on the ground is different from what is being presented by the administration.
“We are more insecure, hungrier, and more desperate,” Baba-Ahmed said.
“The reforms on paper do not reflect the reality Nigerians face.
“There is no way you can live in this country, see the level of poverty, seeing the level of unaccountability, we’re not accounting for the funds we’re getting, and still say that Nigerians should see what you’re doing and applaud you.”
Nigeria has been struggling with rising inflation, high food prices, fuel costs, and continued insecurity in parts of the North and other regions. These challenges have remained key issues in public debate since President Tinubu assumed office in May 2023.
The administration has introduced several economic reforms, including fuel subsidy removal and changes in foreign exchange policies, which government officials say are necessary to stabilise the economy in the long term. However, these policies have also led to increased cost of living, sparking criticism from opposition figures and civil society groups.
Baba-Ahmed said the gap between government perception and public experience could become a major political issue ahead of future elections. He argued that Nigerians are aware of their conditions and will respond accordingly at the ballot box if given a free and fair opportunity.
“If the president goes into an election with this mindset and allows a free and fair process, then we are home and dry,” he said.
He added that one of the reasons opposition parties believe they can defeat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is what he described as a disconnect between government officials and ordinary citizens.
“You have 10, 12, 20 failings of an administration that is saying we have done fantastic,” he said.
His comments add to growing political debate over the direction of the country under the current administration. Opposition parties have continued to criticize government policies, especially those affecting the economy, security, and governance.
While the government maintains that its reforms are necessary and will produce long-term benefits, critics like Baba-Ahmed insist that many Nigerians are yet to feel any positive change.
Across the country, many citizens continue to express concerns over high food prices, transport costs, unemployment, and insecurity. In some states, farmers have been displaced by violence, while urban residents struggle with the rising cost of living.
Despite these challenges, government officials often argue that reforms take time and that the economy is undergoing a necessary restructuring process.
President Tinubu has repeatedly defended his administration’s policies, saying they are aimed at building a stronger and more stable economy for the future. His supporters also argue that inherited economic problems require bold decisions, even if they are painful in the short term.
However, critics like Baba-Ahmed maintain that leadership must reflect empathy and a close understanding of citizens’ daily struggles.