Religious leaders and Tinubu’s own ethnic association say rising violence, poverty, and democratic concerns demand urgent action from the presidency.
By Ekani Olikita
ABUJA, Nigeria–President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is facing growing criticism from religious leaders, civil society groups and a prominent Yoruba socio-cultural organization as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 Election. Growing concerns over worsening insecurity, economic hardship and Nigeria’s democratic trajectory fueled the mounting criticism.
The latest backlash follows a statement by his tribal association, the Yoruba socio-cultural group (Igbinmo Majekobaje Ile-Yoruba), which urged Nigerians to vote Tinubu out in 2027, arguing that insecurity and economic hardship have worsened under his administration.
“Nigeria is bleeding under our brother, President Tinubu. Our people have become beggars under Tinubu’s watch while hundreds of innocent citizens remain in the hands of Fulani terrorists waiting for ransom payments,” the group’s convener, Olusola Badero in a Press Statement on Sunday.
The statement came few days after leaders of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) met Tinubu at the presidential villa in Abuja on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, where they expressed concerns over insecurity, poverty and the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process.
Bishops Say Nigeria Is “Bleeding”
Speaking after the meeting, precisely on Friday, July 31, 2026, in an interview with Arise Television, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja, said the bishops presented the realities confronting ordinary Nigerians.
“When the nation is bleeding, you cannot expect a polite meeting with the Head of State,” Onaiyekan said. “We told him the economy is not helping our poor people, but he insisted things were improving.”
The cardinal also warned against what he described as the growing misuse of incumbency and fears of democratic erosion ahead of the next general election.
Tinubu Rejects the Criticism
President Tinubu rejected the bishops’ assessment, insisting his administration inherited severe challenges but is making progress.
“We are building new barracks, new stations and equipping our security personnel so we can defeat terrorism,” the president said.
He also defended the Independence of Nigeria’s electoral commission, saying political opponents were merely expressing unfounded fears.
“The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) you mentioned is neutral, it has never intimidated anybody. If political opponents are crying woes, may be they are afraid of their own shadows and uncertainties in the company they keep”, Tinubu said
Tinubu Knocks the Bishops
The presidency later criticized Cardinal Onaiyekan for publicly discussing what officials described as a private meeting, while presidential adviser Daniel Bwala argued that the bishops spoke only for the Catholic Church, not all Christians.
Christian Leaders Rally Behind the Bishops
The Northern Christian Association of Nigeria (NCAN) rejected that claim, insisting the bishops reflected the concerns of Christians across denominations.
“The bishops spoke not only on issues affecting the Catholic Church but also on matters concerning all Christians and Nigerians generally,” NCAN Chairman Rev. Joseph Hayab said.
Catholic Priests: “They Spoke for Nigerians”
Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Ejeh, Coordinator of the Foundation for Justice, Development and Peace (FJDP) and Caritas of the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo in Central Nigeria Benue State in an interview with TruthNigeria, said the bishops accurately reflected public frustration over insecurity.
“We all stand with the bishops. The concerns raised by the bishops are the general feelings of Nigerians. Fulani terrorists have taken over many communities, killing innocent people and collecting ransom without meaningful resistance. The only way to end these calamities is to speak directly to those in power, and that is what the bishops have done,” Ejeh told TruthNigeria.
Rev. Fr. Samuel Ehatikpo, Parish Priest of St. Edward Catholic Parish, Owukpa, Okpokwu County echoed similar view.
“Insecurity and economic hardship are hitting ordinary Nigerians harder every day, especially the poor. The bishops have voiced our concerns, and President Tinubu should act on them to restore confidence in his government,” Ehatikpo told TruthNigeria.
Security Analyst Warns of Broader Risks
A Counterterrorism Expert and a retired Naval Officer, Commodore Johnson Sabo, said Nigeria’s worsening insecurity extends beyond a humanitarian crisis and increasingly threatens national stability.
“Communities facing persistent attacks lose confidence in state institutions, creating conditions that armed groups and criminal networks can exploit. Addressing insecurity requires stronger intelligence, better protection for vulnerable communities and greater accountability from security agencies,” Sabo told TruthNigeria.
Why It Matters to the United States
Nigeria is Africa’s most populous nation, one of the United States’ largest security and economic partners on the continent, and a key contributor to regional stability in West Africa.
Escalating violence—including attacks by armed Islamist groups, bandits and Fulani Ethnic Militia—has displaced millions, fueled humanitarian needs and complicated U.S. priorities involving counterterrorism, religious freedom, democratic governance and regional security. Continued instability in Nigeria also affects international investment, energy markets and efforts to combat transnational organized crime across West Africa.
As political tensions rise ahead of the 2027 elections, analysts say the government’s response to mounting criticism over insecurity, economic hardship and electoral credibility will shape not only Nigeria’s democratic future but also its strategic relationship with the United States and its Western allies.
Ekani Olikita is a conflict reporter for TruthNigeria
