Kenneth Okonkwo, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and spokesperson for former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar’s presidential campaign, has accused President Bola Tinubu of plunging Nigeria into economic hardship, insisting that the country must free itself from the current administration in 2027.
Okonkwo made the remarks while reacting to Tinubu’s recent statement that Nigeria would not return to “Egypt”, a biblical reference the President used to defend his decision to remove the petrol subsidy.
The lawyer and actor argued that the President’s comparison was misplaced, claiming that Nigerians were experiencing hunger, insecurity and mounting debt under the current administration.
Okonkwo Says Nigeria Is in a Worse Position
In his criticism, Okonkwo interpreted Tinubu’s reference to Egypt as an admission that Nigeria was still enduring a difficult transition following the removal of the petrol subsidy.
He argued that the economic consequences of the policy, combined with the country’s borrowing and security challenges, had placed Nigerians under severe pressure.
According to Okonkwo, the government’s borrowing had increased the country’s financial obligations, making it more dependent on lenders.
He maintained that a country struggling with debt, food insecurity and rising living costs could not be considered to have achieved the economic relief promised by its leaders.
Okonkwo further argued that the government should provide more support to citizens facing the consequences of its economic reforms.
Tinubu Had Defended Petrol Subsidy Removal
Tinubu had earlier defended the removal of the petrol subsidy, insisting that reversing the policy would take Nigeria back to an unsustainable economic situation.
Speaking at an event organised by the City Boy Movement at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, the President drew a comparison with the biblical account of Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt.
He maintained that Nigeria should continue on its current economic path rather than return to the previous subsidy arrangement, which his administration has described as financially unsustainable.
The President also expressed confidence in the country’s economic direction, saying the difficult decisions taken by his government were intended to create a more sustainable future.
ADC Chieftain Calls for Political Change in 2027
Okonkwo argued that the government’s economic policies had left many Nigerians struggling to afford basic necessities.
He also criticised the administration over insecurity and the country’s debt burden, saying the government should be held accountable for its record.
The ADC chieftain called on Nigerians to seek political change in the 2027 general election, arguing that the country needed leadership that would address hardship and improve living conditions.
His comments add to the growing political dispute between Tinubu’s supporters and opposition figures over the impact of the administration’s economic reforms.
While the President has defended subsidy removal as necessary to protect public finances, critics continue to demand measures that would ease the cost of living and provide greater relief for households.
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