The Tinubu We Voted For vs The Tinubu We Have Now
Byline: Special Feature | June 2025
Introduction
When Nigerians went to the polls in February 2023, many cast their votes for Bola Ahmed Tinubu, not just as a man but as a symbol of hope, experience, and change. Two years later, the same citizens are asking tough questions: Is this the Tinubu we voted for?
THE TINUBU WE VOTED FOR:
✅ A Strategic Mastermind
Many saw Tinubu as the political “architect of modern Lagos,” the brain behind APC’s dominance, and a man with a clear roadmap.
“He knows how to build a team, fix structures, and get results,” said a voter in Ikeja during the 2023 campaigns.
✅ Promoter of the “Renewed Hope Agenda”
He promised economic reforms, subsidy removal with cushioning plans, job creation, and nationwide infrastructure development.
“I will not let Nigerians down. I understand the assignment,” Tinubu boldly declared at his final campaign rally.
✅ Experienced Problem-Solver
Supporters believed his governance in Lagos from 1999–2007 proved he could handle national issues like insecurity, poverty, and corruption.
THE TINUBU WE HAVE NOW:
❌ Reforms Without Relief
Yes, Tinubu removed the petrol subsidy and floated the naira—but with devastating effects.
- Fuel prices have tripled.
- Inflation sits at 33.95%, with food inflation crossing 40%.
- The naira hovers around ₦1,500/$1, weakening household purchasing power.
“We understood the need for reform, but why no protection for the poor?” — Civil servant, Enugu.
“This isn’t the man we voted for. He promised economic relief, not ruin,” said Ayodele A., a voter from Kwara.
❌ Insecurity Still Worsens
Despite promises, kidnappings, banditry, and farmer-herder crises continue across the country.
“Change should mean safety. We’re still dying in silence,” — IDP camp resident, Borno.
❌ Detached Leadership, Political Drama
Instead of economic empathy, the administration is mired in self-congratulations and early 2027 re-election campaigns.
Meanwhile, voices like FCT Minister Nyesom Wike continue to taunt critics rather than address suffering.
“We’ll keep giving Tinubu’s enemies high blood pressure,” Wike declared, despite nationwide hardship.
Public Sentiment:
🔻 Disillusionment
- Once enthusiastic supporters now feel betrayed.
- Labour unions, students, market women, and youth have taken to the streets.
“We voted for bread, but now we can’t even afford garri.”
“Tinubu said ‘renewed hope’. What we got is renewed hunger.”
🔻 Political Pushback
Even APC insiders like Senator Ali Ndume have criticized the administration.
“People are suffering. I pity Mr. President. Endorsements don’t win elections—results do.”
Hope Fading or Just Delayed?
Some argue Tinubu needs more time; that “bitter pills” are necessary for long-term growth. But for millions of Nigerians, that argument is growing thin in the face of empty plates and mounting bills.
The Tinubu Nigerians voted for was a reformer with a human face.
The Tinubu they have now, many say, feels distant — and disconnected from the realities on the ground.
“We voted for a fixer. We got a gambler.”
— Protest banner, Lagos, May 2025.
