Sule Lamido, a former governor of Jigawa State and a prominent member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of providing misleading narratives about Nigeria’s economic state and his administration’s policies. Speaking on the BBC Hausa program Gane Mini Hanya, Lamido criticized the President’s governance approach, particularly concerning recent controversial loan requests.
Highlighting inconsistencies in government actions and public statements, Lamido questioned the rationale behind borrowing amid claims of a budget surplus. Referring to last year’s financial projections, he said, “If Nigerians are being told the truth, then there is nothing wrong with that. But how do you budget ₦30 trillion, generate ₦50 trillion, and still request a loan when you have a surplus of ₦20 trillion? This is sheer recklessness and selfishness that is unheard of globally, yet some Nigerians support it.”
Lamido expressed disappointment over the level of public support for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), despite widespread criticism of its economic policies. “Just visit social media; you’ll see how APC is being criticized and even referred to as a calamity, yet some people defend it,” he remarked.
The former governor also criticized former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, accusing it of lacking transparency and relying on propaganda—an approach he claimed continues under Tinubu’s leadership. In contrast, he praised the PDP’s governance, asserting that the party prioritized honesty and openness with the Nigerian public.
Lamido called on citizens to critically evaluate the actions of their leaders, warning against accepting propaganda as truth. His comments reflect the broader discontent among opposition figures, as Nigeria faces rising debt levels and economic challenges, including inflation.
Economic analysts have similarly raised alarms over Nigeria’s fiscal strategy, emphasizing the need for greater accountability and fiscal discipline. While borrowing is a common tool for development, they argue that inconsistencies between projected revenue and spending exacerbate public mistrust and questions of mismanagement.
Lamido’s remarks underline the widening divide between the PDP and APC, as the opposition continues to position itself as a champion of transparency and reform in Nigeria’s political landscape.
