Instead of engaging the economic logic of these reforms, opposition politicians have focused almost exclusively on their social consequences, weaponising hardship as a political tool. Many of the loudest critics of Tinubu’s reforms once supported similar policies or implemented harsher versions at the state level. While some of these narratives are exaggerated or manipulated, Northern resentment toward Tinubu’s policies is not entirely manufactured. However, the Yoruba Ronu Leadership Forum argued that the APC would struggle to campaign on Tinubu’s reforms, citing rising poverty. Writer Tunde Temionu urged critics to offer alternatives rather than simply oppose Tinubu’s reforms.

Source: The Guardian February 04, 2026 06:02 UTC