The Makinde/Daura Presidential Campaign Organisation has criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's 66th Independence Day address, describing it as a rhetorical exercise that failed to offer concrete solutions to Nigeria's economic hardship, poverty, and insecurity. The criticism was made in a statement issued by the campaign's Director of Strategic Communications, Richard Ihediwa. The organisation argued that the President's address lacked specific, measurable, and binding commitments that would enable Nigerians to hold the administration accountable for its handling of the country's major challenges.
President Tinubu's nationwide broadcast on Thursday to mark Nigeria's 66th Independence anniversary defended his administration's economic reforms, stating that the country had moved from a phase of difficult adjustments to one focused on shared prosperity. He cited economic growth of more than four per cent, declining inflation, improved foreign exchange stability, rebuilt foreign reserves, and increased non-oil exports as evidence that the economy was recovering. The President also said the government's priority had shifted towards lowering the cost of living, increasing production, creating jobs, and expanding support for vulnerable Nigerians.
However, the Makinde campaign rejected the President's assessment, arguing that the address did not adequately respond to the hardship being experienced by Nigerians. The organisation challenged the President's assertion that his reforms did not weaken the economy, contending that the removal of petrol subsidy and the floating of the naira had resulted in a sharp increase in the cost of living and weakened citizens' purchasing power. According to the campaign, the increase in the price of petrol, foreign exchange pressures, high transportation costs, and rising prices of food, healthcare, and other essential goods had placed considerable pressure on households and businesses.
The campaign also faulted the administration over what it described as inadequate attention to infrastructure, agriculture, industrialisation, and local manufacturing, while questioning the government's continued reliance on foreign borrowing. The organisation alleged that the reforms had contributed to the closure of businesses and the exit of some multinational companies from Nigeria. Furthermore, the campaign argued that the President's address failed to sufficiently reassure communities affected by killings, abductions, and other violent crimes.
On insecurity, the organisation said the President's address failed to provide soothing or reassuring words to millions of Nigerian families and communities who are victims of the daily killings, maiming, and abductions going on under the APC administration. The campaign argued that Nigerians required leadership that would take responsibility for the country's challenges and deliver measurable results. It subsequently called for support for the presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Seyi Makinde, whom it said had demonstrated the capacity and commitment to "Reset Nigeria" and guarantee the security and welfare of citizens.
The organisation urged Nigerians not to despair, but to use their votes to seek a change of government at the 2027 general election. President Tinubu had said in his Independence Day address that Nigeria had reached a turning point after three years of economic reforms. He stated that the emergency treatment was over, and the foundation had been repaired. The President acknowledged that millions of Nigerians were still struggling with food, school fees, medical bills, and transportation costs, but attributed the difficulties to a combination of longstanding structural weaknesses and decades of inadequate infrastructure and opportunity.
President Tinubu also mentioned that the government was strengthening direct support for vulnerable households and improving the National Social Register, while also expanding access to higher education through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund. The President's address was made on October 1, 2026, as Nigeria marked its 66th Independence anniversary. The Makinde campaign's criticism of the President's address reflects the ongoing debate about the government's handling of the country's economic and security challenges.
Key points
- The Makinde/Daura Presidential Campaign Organisation criticizes President Tinubu's 66th Independence Day address for failing to offer concrete solutions to Nigeria's economic hardship and insecurity.
- President Tinubu defends his administration's economic reforms, citing economic growth and improved foreign exchange stability.
- The Makinde campaign calls for support for its presidential candidate, Seyi Makinde, and urges Nigerians to seek a change of government at the 2027 general election.
