PRP Chairman Baba-Ahmed Accuses Tinubu Government of Worsening Hardship, Insecurity Ahead of 2027

The National Chairman of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of worsening economic hardship and insecurity, arguing that many Nigerians have yet to experience meaningful benefits from government policies.

Baba-Ahmed made the remarks during a Tuesday interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, where he assessed the government’s performance after three and a half years in office. He cited insecurity, rising living costs and inadequate infrastructure as major challenges facing the country.

He said insecurity had disrupted education in areas affected by banditry and kidnapping, leaving many children unable to attend school. He also argued that dangerous roads and persistent threats to travellers showed that security concerns remained unresolved.

“Children who live in territories taken by bandits and kidnappers can’t go to school at all,” Baba-Ahmed said.

The PRP chairman also questioned whether official economic figures adequately reflected the experiences of ordinary Nigerians. He argued that the government needed to demonstrate how its policies were improving living conditions, rather than relying on statistics to defend its record.

On infrastructure, Baba-Ahmed cited the Abuja-Kaduna highway, saying motorists continued to face security risks. He also questioned the pace of road construction, arguing that oil revenue should have translated into more visible infrastructure development.

Baba-Ahmed, who previously served as special adviser on political matters in the Office of Vice President Kashim Shettima, also criticised Tinubu’s reported plan to limit his participation in campaign rallies ahead of the 2027 general election. He argued that the president should personally explain his administration’s achievements and shortcomings to voters.

“He had nothing to say to them; he had nothing to say to Nigerians, which is why he says, ‘Okay, gentlemen, go and campaign for me. I will stay in Abuja and run the country,’” he said, questioning the administration’s record.

On the 2027 election, Baba-Ahmed predicted that Tinubu would face difficulties securing victory. He warned that insecurity could prevent eligible voters in affected communities, particularly in parts of northern Nigeria, from participating fully in the election. He also raised concerns about the influence of money and the possibility of electoral manipulation.

The PRP chairman called for a credible electoral process and clearer public communication from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Drawing on his experience as a former INEC secretary, he said only officials legally authorised to do so could declare election winners. He also urged the commission to explain its procedures more effectively to prevent confusion, warning that disputes over election results could deepen political tensions and threaten national unity.