Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, a former special adviser on political matters to Vice-President Kashim Shettima, has accused President Bola Tinubu of being disconnected from the harsh realities facing Nigerians.
Speaking on Arise Television’s ‘The Morning Show’, Baba-Ahmed, who chairs the Peoples Redemption Party, criticised the president’s recent remarks suggesting that critics of his administration are either biased or unable to recognise progress.
Tinubu had earlier dismissed opposition voices, saying those who fail to see the achievements of his government might need visual aid.
“If they don’t want to see the hope… we shall lend them ‘jigi-bola’… eyeglasses,” the president said.
Reacting, Baba-Ahmed argued that such comments reflect a troubling disconnect between government perception and the lived experiences of citizens, especially amid economic strain and security concerns.
“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,” he said.
He further maintained that government reforms have yet to translate into tangible improvements for ordinary Nigerians, warning that hardship continues to deepen across the country.
“We are more insecure, more hungry, and more desperate,” Baba-Ahmed said.
“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.”
The former aide also expressed optimism that the ruling All Progressives Congress could be defeated in a credible electoral process, citing what he described as a widening gap between government claims and public sentiment.
“If the president goes into an election with this mindset and allows a free and fair process, then we are home and dry,” he said.
“One of the reasons why we feel confident that we can defeat APC is exactly this kind of mindset.
“You have 10, 12, 20 failings of an administration that is saying we have done fantastic.”
