Umar Sani, former spokesperson for ex-Vice President Namadi Sambo, has accused President Bola Tinubu of advancing a strategy of state capture, which he claims is steering Nigeria toward a one-party system.
Sani, a prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), expressed his concerns about the President’s economic and political policies, which he says have been detrimental to the average Nigerian.
He pointed out that since Tinubu’s inauguration, the President’s actions have aimed at impoverishing citizens, showing a lack of empathy.
In a statement released on Sunday, Sani condemned the government’s controversial decisions, including the removal of the fuel subsidy, the devaluation of the naira, electricity tariff hikes, and the categorization of Nigerians into economic bands.
“On his very first day in office, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu demonstrated a shocking disregard for the welfare of Nigerians.
“He admitted that two key announcements, the removal of fuel subsidies and the floating of the naira were not planned, but were made in a rushed decision shortly after his swearing-in.
“He boldly claimed it took significant courage to announce these moves,” Sani said.
He went on to criticize the elimination of fuel subsidies and the adoption of a floating exchange rate, which he argues has led to disastrous economic consequences, including skyrocketing prices and severe inflation.
“Along with these measures, the government restructured electricity tariffs into Bands A, B, and C, imposing steep hikes.
“Simultaneously, subsidies on agriculture, livestock, and loans were removed, pushing more Nigerians into poverty.
“Widespread protests erupted, yet another controversial tax reform bill followed, further stoking public unrest,” he continued.
Sani also accused the President of undermining Nigeria’s judiciary by appointing loyalists to key judicial positions, thus consolidating power in the hands of those aligned with the administration.
He alleged that these appointments were part of a broader strategy to neutralize opposition forces.
The PDP chieftain further alleged that Tinubu had exacerbated divisions within opposition parties, pressuring politicians to defect to the ruling party.
However, Sani warned that Nigerians would not passively accept this erosion of democratic principles.
“President Tinubu’s pursuit of total control over Nigeria has seen him appoint loyalists, mostly from a single ethnic group, to pivotal roles.
“The capture of the judiciary was facilitated by the promotion of a Chief Justice he had previously appointed as Lagos State Governor.
“Judicial officers were rewarded with excessive pay raises and perks in exchange for their support during the election petitions,” Sani claimed.
He went on to express concern over the shrinking of democratic space, accusing the government of stifling opposition voices, instigating conflicts within rival parties, and using coercive tactics to force defections.
“This deliberate attack on political diversity points to a clear intention to create a one-party state. However, suppressing opposition does not guarantee electoral victory.
“History shows that when democracy is undermined, citizens often seek new political alternatives, which could significantly shift Nigeria’s political scene in 2027,” he concluded.
