The Presidency of Nigeria has strongly rejected a report by The Economist, which claimed that Nigerians dislike President Bola Tinubu but may still re-elect him in 2027. Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, described the assessment as "lazy analysis" and "intellectual fraud". He stated that the report ignored the administration's efforts to rebuild the country since May 2023.
According to Dare, President Tinubu inherited a broken economic ecosystem on the precipice of total sovereign bankruptcy. He defended the administration's reforms, stating that the fuel subsidy regime had been "an unsustainable fiscal death trap" that siphoned trillions away from public infrastructure, education, and healthcare into private pockets. Ending the subsidy and reforming the foreign exchange market helped redirect resources and improve investor confidence.
Dare cited several examples of the administration's reforms, including NELFUND, local government financial autonomy, the higher minimum wage, CNG buses, fertiliser distribution, agro-loans, and farming equipment. He argued that these reforms had positively impacted Nigerians, such as students and relieved parents whose educational dreams had been rescued by NELFUND.
The Presidency's response followed The Economist's October 1 report, which said Tinubu could retain power despite public dissatisfaction. The report cited incumbency, ruling-party machinery, opposition fragmentation, religion, and voter turnout as factors that could shape the 2027 election. Dare accused The Economist of peddling "sensationalist half-truths" and painting a picture of impending doom.
Dare also stated that the notion that millions of Nigerians harbour blind hatred for President Tinubu collapses when you meet everyday reality. He cited examples of public servants whose take-home monthly pay had been elevated by progressive wage reforms and local government chairmen and community leaders who finally have the financial independence to execute localised projects.
The Economist's report was published on October 1, 2026. The Presidency's rejection of the report highlights the ongoing debate about President Tinubu's popularity and the challenges facing his administration. The administration has been working to address the country's economic and structural challenges since taking office in May 2023.
The dispute between the Presidency and The Economist underscores the complexities of Nigerian politics and the role of international observers in assessing the country's progress. The administration's efforts to reform the economy and improve governance are ongoing, with various initiatives aimed at promoting economic growth and improving the lives of Nigerians.
Key points
- The Nigerian Presidency has rejected The Economist's report alleging President Bola Tinubu's unpopularity
- The administration has been working to address the country's economic and structural challenges since taking office in May 2023
- The dispute between the Presidency and The Economist highlights the complexities of Nigerian politics and the role of international observers
