The pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, Afenifere, has delivered a scathing assessment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, declaring that his much-publicized Renewed Hope agenda has instead plunged Nigerians deeper into despair.

In a statement released on Sunday and signed by its Leader, Oba Oladipo Olaitan, and National Publicity Secretary, Justice Faloye, Afenifere criticized the President’s midterm performance, claiming it has led to severe deterioration across all human development and socio-political indices.

“The midterm report shows that every human development and socio-political index has regressed since President Tinubu assumed office. What was promised as renewed hope has become a nightmare of deepening hopelessness and suffering,” the statement reads.

"False Successes and Propaganda"

Afenifere accused the Tinubu administration of focusing more on propaganda and blame-shifting than on taking responsibility for its economic and governance failures.

“Instead of acknowledging the immense suffering caused by poor policy decisions and reckless spending, the administration has engaged in massive propaganda, peddling false successes while blaming global and historical factors,” the group stated.

Specifically, Afenifere cited the removal of fuel subsidies and the floating of the Naira as critical policy missteps executed without adequate preparation or cushioning mechanisms — calling it a case of “economic reform turned economic deform.”

A Government for the Privileged Few

The statement further described the Tinubu administration as "prebendal" — serving only the privileged and politically connected, rather than the masses.

“Despite economic policies that triggered record inflation and eroded real wages for most Nigerians, only 4.1% of the population — those in civil service — received a 38% wage increase. Palliatives have been hoarded and distributed corruptly among the connected, while high-profile projects have been awarded to close allies of the President without transparency.”

Afenifere also slammed the administration for failing to implement the Oronsaye Report, a key promise aimed at reducing the cost of governance. Instead, it noted, the government has created new spending centers and adopted a lavish “jaiye jaiye” lifestyle.

“From new presidential jets to N160 million luxury cars for each legislator, and inflated, unaccounted constituency project allocations — the Tinubu administration has prioritised elite comfort over public welfare.”

Erosion of Federalism and Democracy

The group accused the administration of centralizing power, weakening state institutions, and undermining democratic structures.

“Rather than restructuring, Tinubu is destructuring the federalist foundation of the Nigerian Constitution by encroaching on local government autonomy. The increasing centralization, erosion of legislative and judicial independence, and manipulation of opposition parties are clear signs of creeping authoritarianism.”

They also raised alarm over the intolerance of civic dissent, targeting of protesters, and politicization of electoral institutions — citing recent appointments to INEC allegedly involving ruling party loyalists.

“Opposition voices are being silenced, students and labor groups are bullied, and internal opposition party crises are allegedly fueled by the ruling party. Liberal democratic values are being trampled openly and without shame.”

"Harrowing Experience" for Nigerians

Afenifere described the last two years under Tinubu as a “harrowing experience”, stating that it was their duty to counter the government’s propaganda with truth.

“Rather than focus on governance and service delivery, the administration appears obsessed with winning the 2027 elections — regardless of voter sentiments. But no amount of propaganda can erase the hunger, poverty, and pain being felt by ordinary Nigerians.”

A Call for Reflection and Redemption

Despite their damning verdict, Afenifere expressed hope that there is still time for President Tinubu to change course.

“If this Midterm Report were an academic exercise, the examiner would advise the student to withdraw. Yet, we believe redemption is still possible. We urge President Tinubu and his team to pause, reflect, and — for once — choose to truly love Nigeria and its people.”