President Tinubu Disconnected from Nigerians’ Hardship, Says Baba-Ahmed

Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, the National Chairman of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), has sharply criticized President Bola Tinubu's administration, asserting a significant and troubling disconnect between the government's actions and the lived experiences of ordinary Nigerians. Speaking on Arise TV's "The Morning Show," Baba-Ahmed, a former Special Adviser, directly challenged the president's recent remarks suggesting that Nigerians failing to see progress are simply biased or blind to development.

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If they don’t want to see the hope… we shall lend them ‘jigi-bola’… (Bola’s eyeglasses)

Baba-Ahmed's response was forceful, highlighting the stark realities of poverty and a perceived lack of accountability in Nigeria. He argued that it is impossible to witness the current level of hardship and the absence of transparent governance and still expect citizens to applaud the administration's performance. The PRP chairman directly countered President Tinubu's assertion that critics might need "prescription glasses" or "jigi-bola" (Bola's eyeglasses), stating that such comments demonstrate a worrying lack of awareness regarding the prevailing economic and security challenges plaguing the nation.

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There is no way you can live in this country, see the level of poverty and unaccountability, and still expect Nigerians to applaud your performance

From the perspective of the PRP, as articulated by Baba-Ahmed, the reforms implemented by the Tinubu administration have failed to translate into tangible improvements in the living conditions of the populace. The party contends that Nigerians are experiencing increased insecurity, hunger, and desperation, and that the "reforms on paper" do not reflect the grim reality on the ground. This stark contrast between official narratives and public sentiment forms the bedrock of the PRP's confidence in its electoral prospects.

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We are more insecure, more hungry, and more desperate. The reforms on paper do not reflect the reality Nigerians face. There is no way you can live in this country, see the level of poverty, seeing the level of unaccountability, we’re not accounting for the funds we’re getting, and still say that Nigerians should see what you’re doing and applaud you.

Adding to the political landscape, Baba-Ahmed revealed a surge of interest from politicians seeking to join the PRP ahead of future elections. He presented the PRP as a viable alternative, emphasizing that its doors are open to all who wish to join, whether by choice or due to the perceived obstruction within their existing parties. This growing interest, he believes, signals a lack of confidence in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and bolsters the PRP's conviction that they can secure victory in a free and fair electoral process. The PRP positions itself as a party ready to offer a different path forward for Nigeria, one that is more attuned to the needs and struggles of its citizens.

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If the president goes into an election with this mind-set and allows a free and fair process, then we are home and dry.