The Southern Nigeria People’s Mandate (SNPM) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reconsider any plans to seek re-election in 2027, citing what it described as worsening economic hardship, insecurity, and declining living standards under his administration.
In a statement signed by its Chairman and Founder, Mr. Augustine Chukwudum, the group expressed dissatisfaction with the performance of the Tinubu administration since it assumed office in May 2023, alleging that government policies had contributed to rising inflation and the increasing cost of living across the country.
The organisation said many Nigerians were struggling to cope with soaring prices of food, fuel, cooking gas, and other essential commodities, despite the country’s vast natural and mineral resources.
According to the group, the administration had failed to deliver on campaign promises of improving the welfare of citizens and addressing insecurity.
“The suffering of Nigerians has continued to increase due to policies that have led to skyrocketing prices of goods and services. The government must urgently address the economic challenges facing the country,” Chukwudum said.
The group also criticised the government’s handling of security challenges, alleging that attacks by terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, and other criminal groups continued to threaten lives and livelihoods, particularly in rural communities.
SNPM argued that persistent insecurity had negatively affected agricultural production, contributing to food shortages and higher prices across the country.
The organisation further expressed concern over the continued importation of petroleum products despite the existence of local refining capacity, urging the Federal Government to increase support for domestic refineries and reduce dependence on imports.
As part of its recommendations, SNPM called on the Federal Government to:
End the importation of fuel and prioritise local refining;
Encourage local processing of Nigeria’s mineral resources before export;
Strengthen the value of the naira through economic reforms;
Intensify efforts to combat terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping; and
Recruit and train additional security personnel to improve national security.
The group maintained that addressing economic and security challenges should take precedence over political considerations ahead of the 2027 general elections.
While urging the President to focus on governance, SNPM said Nigerians expected tangible improvements in their living conditions and a more decisive response to the nation’s pressing challenges.
The Federal Government has repeatedly defended its economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies and foreign exchange adjustments, arguing that they are necessary measures to stabilise the economy and attract long-term investment. Government officials have also maintained that security agencies are making progress in the fight against terrorism, banditry, and other forms of criminality across the country.
