Former Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi has delivered a sharp critique of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, declaring that widespread economic hardship and hunger have left many Nigerians deeply dissatisfied and unlikely to rally behind the government in the next general election.
Speaking at a public event on July 31, 2025, Fayemi emphasized the growing pain experienced by millions across Nigeria, singling out rampant hunger, lack of money, and decaying infrastructure as key failures of the current administration. “Except we are deceiving ourselves, Nigerians are not happy with the Federal Government because of hunger and lack of money,” Fayemi said, noting that government policies and actions have yet to yield tangible improvements for ordinary people.
He criticized the federal government’s refusal to refund N18–20 billion spent by his administration on the Ado–Iyin road project, arguing the money could have been directed toward further development in Ekiti State.
Fayemi also called attention to failing federal roads and highlighted delays in disbursing funds for development projects, which he says have worsened public sector performance across Nigeria.
While acknowledging that reforms like the fuel subsidy removal were needed, Fayemi faulted their “precipitate” implementation without adequate measures to cushion citizens from increased costs of living and spiraling inflation.
He pointed out that no major federal ministry, department, or agency has received any disbursement from the 2025 budget months into the fiscal year aggravating the economic crisis.
Fayemi, an influential figure within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), went further by stating that unless conditions improve, Nigerians have the right to vote out the party at the next polls. “If things don’t improve, then Nigerians reserve the right to decide what they want to do with us,” he said, warning APC leaders to take accountability seriously.
His remarks have been praised even by opposition parties for “speaking truth to power,” as public outrage over rising poverty and hardship appears to deepen nationwide.