Tinubu out of touch with Nigerians’ hardship, says Hakeem Baba-Ahmed

FORMER Special Adviser on Political Matters to Vice-President Kashim Shettima, Mr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has said President Bola Tinubu is disconnected from the everyday struggles facing Nigerians.

Speaking on The Morning Show on Arise Television, Baba-Ahmed, who chairs the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), criticised recent comments made by the president regarding his administration’s performance.

Tinubu had earlier argued that Nigerians who fail to see progress under his leadership are either biased or unable to recognise development. In response to opposition criticism, he said those who do not see the ‘hope’ in his reforms might need ‘jigi-bola’ eyeglasses.

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Baba-Ahmed said such remarks suggest a lack of awareness about the country’s worsening economic and security conditions, arguing that rising poverty and weak accountability make it unrealistic to expect public praise for the government.

According to him, current policies have not translated into better living standards, with many Nigerians facing deeper hardship. He described the situation as one of increasing insecurity, hunger, and desperation, adding that reforms highlighted by the government do not reflect the realities on the ground.

The PRP chairman also expressed confidence that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) could be defeated if elections are conducted fairly. He said the administration’s perceived disconnect from public sentiment could work against it at the polls.

“If the president maintains this mindset and allows a credible election, we are confident,” Baba-Ahmed said, noting that multiple perceived failures contrast sharply with the government’s positive self-assessment.