Senator Barau Jibrin criticises Yemi Osinbajo’s remarks on Nigeria’s economy and democracy

Senate Deputy President Senator Barau Jibrin, representing Kano North for the All Progressives Congress, publicly challenged former Vice‑President Yemi Osinbajo over the latter’s pessimistic appraisal of Nigeria’s economy and democratic governance. Jibrin spoke at a Yola-based event in Adamawa State, where a discussion on reevaluating leadership in the context of democracy and growth was hosted to mark the 59th birthday of Governor Ahmadu Fintiri.

Osinbajo, who served as Vice‑President from 2015 to 2023 under President Muhammadu Buhari, had cited Afro‑Barometer surveys to highlight widespread dissatisfaction across Africa. He noted that while 64 % of Africans preferred democracy, only 38 % were satisfied with its performance in their own countries. He also pointed to figures showing 59 % of Africans believed their economies were in poor condition and 51 % said their economies had deteriorated, adding concerns about rising living costs, unemployment, limited healthcare access and declining voter turnout.

Jibrin acknowledged the validity of Osinbajo’s concerns but argued the Tinubu administration was already taking steps to address long‑standing challenges. He stressed that the primary issue behind the bleak survey results was a lack of effective communication between leaders and citizens, suggesting that better outreach could improve public perception of ongoing reforms.

Background

The tension between the two politicians stems from their differing roles in recent Nigerian politics. Osinbajo, after losing to President Bola Tinubu in the APC primary ahead of the 2023 elections, has remained an influential voice on governance issues. His recent lecture referenced Afro‑Barometer data that tracks public opinion across African nations, highlighting trends such as declining confidence in democratic institutions and economic hardship.

Jibrin, elected Deputy President of the Senate in 2023, has been a vocal supporter of the Tinubu administration’s policies. In his response, he praised Osinbajo’s oratory skills while emphasizing that the government’s efforts were being undermined by poor communication rather than policy failure. The lecture in Yola was organized to commemorate Governor Fintiri’s birthday and to discuss broader themes of leadership and development.

Why it matters

The exchange underscores ongoing debates about Nigeria’s economic recovery and democratic health. According to the Afro‑Barometer figures cited by Osinbajo, a majority of Africans perceive their economies as struggling, a sentiment echoed by many Nigerians facing high inflation and unemployment. If public confidence continues to erode, especially among youth, it could affect voter engagement and the legitimacy of democratic institutions.

Jibrin’s emphasis on communication suggests the government may prioritize outreach initiatives to showcase reforms, potentially influencing public opinion and mitigating criticism. The dialogue also reflects intra‑party dynamics within the APC, as senior figures articulate differing perspectives on the administration’s performance.

What happens next

Jibrin called for improved dialogue between the government and the populace but did not outline specific policy measures. No further official response from Osinbajo has been reported in the source material. The debate is likely to continue in public forums and parliamentary discussions as the Tinubu administration proceeds with its economic and governance agenda.