Former House of Representatives member and former Secretary to the Imo State Government, Uche Onyeagucha, has delivered a scathing assessment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, arguing that the government has failed in the areas of security, economy and governance.
Speaking on a political affairs programme, Onyeagucha claimed the administration would score “less than 10 percent” in overall performance, citing rising insecurity, economic hardship and declining living standards across the country.
According to him, Nigerians are facing unprecedented hardship as businesses struggle with high energy costs, inflation and multiple taxes, while insecurity continues to affect communities across the country.
“The government has not lived up to its constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property,” he said, insisting that citizens now live in fear due to kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes.
On infrastructure, Onyeagucha dismissed government claims of major achievements, particularly regarding the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. He alleged that progress on the project has been slow and questioned its economic value, arguing that the administration has accumulated significant debt without delivering commensurate benefits.
Looking ahead to the 2027 presidential election, Onyeagucha expressed confidence that President Tinubu would struggle to retain power if the electoral process is transparent.
“I believe that if this election is only 30 percent free and fair, Tinubu will lose the election,” he said.
The former lawmaker also criticized the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), alleging that the electoral body lacks neutrality. He argued that opposition parties should approach future elections with caution and continue demanding reforms to strengthen electoral integrity.
On opposition politics, Onyeagucha strongly backed former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, describing him as the most credible alternative to lead Nigeria.
He praised Obi’s reputation for prudence and fiscal discipline, arguing that Nigeria needs a leader capable of shifting the economy from consumption to production.
“Peter Obi understands that the bane of our economy is that we must move it from consumption to production,” he said.
The former legislator was less optimistic about the prospects of other opposition figures, particularly former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. He argued that Atiku no longer commands the level of support required to emerge as the leading challenger in the 2027 race.
Onyeagucha further maintained that many Nigerians are increasingly frustrated by economic difficulties and insecurity, warning that the country’s current situation is unsustainable.
He called for greater political participation by ordinary citizens, insisting that political parties must evolve into mass movements capable of mobilising voters around issues affecting their daily lives.
While acknowledging internal challenges within emerging opposition platforms, he expressed confidence that Nigerians seeking change would ultimately rally around a viable alternative ahead of the next general election.
The Presidency and INEC have consistently rejected allegations of bias and electoral manipulation, maintaining that ongoing reforms and policies are aimed at improving governance and strengthening democratic institutions.
