Nigerians Express Discontent As Former Ekiti Governor Fayemi Criticises Tinubu’s Administration.
Former Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has publicly voiced strong criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, highlighting widespread dissatisfaction among Nigerians due to economic hardship and crumbling infrastructure. Speaking in Yoruba at a public event in Ekiti, Fayemi warned that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) risks losing public support in the 2027 general elections unless urgent action is taken to address the nation’s challenges.
Fayemi, a prominent APC figure, pointed to hunger, poverty, and the dire state of federal roads as key grievances fuelling public unrest. “Except we are deceiving ourselves, Nigerians are not happy with the Federal Government because of hunger and lack of money,” he stated, addressing an audience that included Ekiti State House of Assembly Speaker Adeoye Aribasoye and lawmaker Tope Longe. He specifically cited the poor condition of roads such as those connecting Efon Alaaye to Erio Ekiti and Omuo Ekiti to Ayedun Ekiti, describing the hardships faced by commuters as a reflection of governmental neglect.
The former governor also expressed frustration over the lack of federal support for state-led infrastructure projects. He revealed that during his tenure, his administration spent between ₦18 billion and ₦20 billion on a federal road, later completed by his successor, Governor Biodun Oyebanji. However, the Federal Government refused to refund the state, a decision Fayemi argued hindered further development. “If they had refunded the money, the governor could have used it for the second phase of the Ado–Iyin–Aramoko road,” he lamented.
Fayemi’s remarks come amid growing tensions within the APC, underscored by his absence from a recent political rally in Ado-Ekiti where President Tinubu and Governor Oyebanji were endorsed for second terms. His candid critique contrasts with endorsements from other political figures, such as former Ekiti Governor Ayodele Fayose, who, despite remaining a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), recently backed Tinubu and Oyebanji for re-election.
The public response to Fayemi’s comments has been mixed, with some Nigerians praising his forthrightness while others view it as a sign of deepening cracks within the APC. As economic pressures mount, with rising costs of living attributed to policies like the removal of fuel subsidies in May 2023, Fayemi’s warning underscores the urgency for the Tinubu administration to address public grievances.
President Tinubu, who assumed office in 2023, has faced significant challenges, including a cost-of-living crisis exacerbated by the subsidy removal and the unification of foreign exchange markets. While Fayemi previously acknowledged Tinubu’s bold decisions, he has stressed that good intentions alone are insufficient without an effective policy framework to deliver tangible results for Nigerians.
As the 2027 elections loom, Fayemi’s call for action serves as a stark reminder of the need for the APC to reconnect with its electorate. Whether the administration can address these concerns and restore public confidence remains a critical question for Nigeria’s political future.
