Key Points

• Tinubu’s economic revival claims don’t reflect daily Nigerian realities.

• Wabara blames inflation, taxation, and insecurity for worsening hardship.

• True reform must prioritize security, business support, and food access.

Senator Adolphus Wabara, former Senate President and Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party’s Board of Trustees, has dismissed President Bola Tinubu’s recent declaration of economic recovery as “an insult” to Nigerians grappling with worsening poverty and inflation.

Wabara said the president’s statement lacks credibility, especially in a nation where everyday citizens are visibly suffering from price hikes, job losses, and food insecurity.

“If the economy had truly improved, Nigerians wouldn’t need to be convinced — they’d be the ones telling the story,” Wabara said.

He noted that inflation has driven essential goods beyond the reach of many families, making Tinubu’s optimism appear disconnected from everyday realities.

According to him, the first sign of economic revival should be visible in marketplace prices and household incomes, not just government rhetoric.

Former Senate President urges focus on real reforms, not rhetoric

Calling for urgent reforms, Wabara advised President Tinubu to focus on practical policies rather than making bold but unconvincing declarations.

He said that the administration’s current economic direction — particularly the burden of multiple taxation — is stifling businesses and compounding hardship.

“Multiple taxation is crushing small and medium-scale enterprises. If the government is serious about recovery, it must rethink these damaging policies,” he said.

Wabara stressed that real economic revival can only be measured by improvements in purchasing power, access to basic services, and business viability — areas where Nigerians continue to struggle.

Security crisis worsens food shortage and economic strain

The PDP elder statesman also linked economic hardship to Nigeria’s worsening security situation.

He said the displacement of farmers due to banditry and attacks by armed herders has severely disrupted food production, leading to sharp shortages and price hikes.

“No economy can thrive amid fear and insecurity. We must restore peace in rural communities before we talk about economic revival,” he said.

Wabara criticized the ruling All Progressives Congress for reversing the economic gains made under the PDP.

“When the PDP was in power, Nigeria’s economy ranked among Africa’s top two. APC’s mismanagement has brought us here,” he stated.

Despite the current challenges, Wabara expressed hope for a turnaround in 2027, predicting a PDP return to power would restore lost economic momentum.