Tinubu Speaks on Nigeria's 66th Independence Day

Yesterday, President Tinubu spoke to Nigerians as we marked our 66th independence anniversary. His speech had the usual hopeful tone we hear every year. He talked about a better future but did not explain how we will get there. The address was titled 'from reform to prosperity.' But what Nigerians experience daily is poverty, hunger, and hardship. We were told that a brighter future is on the way. Once again, we were promised that with our size, resources, cultural diversity, and our wonderful people, we can build a strong nation in Africa. The President reminded us that our founding fathers fought for more than just a flag and an anthem. They wanted us to have the power to shape our own future and build a country that offers opportunities and dignity to its people. Sixty-six years later, it is now our job to fulfill that promise. These are powerful words we can all agree on. The real question is whether we are truly on the right path to that promised land.

This independence anniversary is the last before next year’s general election. The President faces a public that believes his reforms have failed. Many blame Bola Tinubu for the hunger and suffering they see daily. The President needs to convince people to ignore their struggles and trust that a better future is just ahead. But the truth is hard to ignore. While his speechwriters can create beautiful words, the reality of hunger does not care for fancy phrases. Still, they put in their best effort.

The President pointed out that poverty is rising and hope is fading. The nation is facing its darkest times. We must act now. He used a strong image: "Nigeria was like a sick patient who gets the bad news that he has cancer. His doctor says the treatment will be tough and painful but offers hope for recovery. The patient must choose. He can start treatment, face the pain, and fight the disease. Or he can just ask for morphine, numb the pain, and let the cancer spread." Tinubu is the doctor with the cure for Nigeria’s problems. Other leaders have been like fake doctors who can’t provide real solutions.

The challenge for him is that he has been in office for three and a half years. While he claims to see signs of recovery, the citizens do not see what he sees. They feel it is time to look for another leader. Tinubu talks about a four percent growth in the economy this year, but Nigerians know they are suffering from malaria and other diseases without money for treatment. His government says inflation has dropped a lot, but many face the worst cost of living crisis ever. The Administration boasts about record revenues from non-oil exports exceeding $6 billion, but people see massive theft from the treasury. Corruption has been a long-standing issue, and under President Tinubu, it has won the battle.

Right now, many Nigerians view the President’s claims as unrealistic. They do not see proof that things are getting better. In tough times, people’s real experiences usually outweigh pretty speeches. As we reflect on our independence this weekend, we must ask what this means for the politics of the 2027 elections.

The ruling APC has a big problem. They cannot explain why Nigerians should trust them with another term when many believe they have failed to keep their promises. They have not provided security, leaving millions of farmers unable to work safely. They also failed to deliver on promises to boost power supply for industrial growth. This is painful because there is video of Tinubu asking Nigerians to stone them if they do not improve power supply. Now he is asking for another term. Politicians should be careful what they wish for as they might get it.

The truth I am sharing is one the President knows, even if he does not admit it. This awareness is why his plans for the 2027 elections are not based on a manifesto. His Administration is focused on convincing opposition governors to switch parties and join the ruling party. They are battling major opposition candidates in court and using state power to disrupt their nominations. They have appointed new leaders in the Electoral Commission who seem biased. The beautiful speeches are just for show while the real fights are happening elsewhere.

What is clear is that the 2027 elections will be tough for Nigerians. If we allow a failed government to stay in power, it could end our democracy. If democracy fails, the very existence of Nigeria is at stake. The best way forward is to keep making the case that this Administration has not delivered and we need to elect a better one. We have the power to do it.