Kenneth Okonkwo, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, criticised President Bola Tinubu’s New Year address to Nigerians. Speaking on Channels Television’s “Sunrise Daily” programme, Okonkwo said the president’s remarks highlighted the government’s failure to deliver on its promises and amounted to an admission of defeat.
Okonkwo took issue with Tinubu’s claim that 2026 would usher in a stronger phase of economic growth, arguing that the administration has already been in power for nearly three years and has not demonstrated such progress. He also disputed the president’s assertion that inflation had fallen to 15 percent, pointing to his own experience of soaring flight costs. According to Okonkwo, the price of a flight from Abuja to Enugu has risen from N57,000 to N250,000—a more than 500 percent increase—making the inflation figure a “white lie” and suggesting manipulation of economic data.
The chieftain further noted the cultural importance of honesty on New Year’s Day, warning that the president’s message could set a negative tone for the rest of the year. His comments echo a broader debate over the reliability of Nigeria’s economic statistics and the government’s handling of the economy, which continues to grapple with high inflation and sluggish growth.
As the year unfolds, Tinubu’s administration is likely to face heightened scrutiny over its economic policies and the accuracy of its data. How the government responds to this criticism will be crucial for restoring public trust and achieving its economic objectives.
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