Nepotism, Favoritism, and the Growing Hardship of Nigerians Under APC Rule

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By 

Hon Daniel Asekhame 



Nepotism, Favoritism, and the Growing Hardship of Nigerians Under APC Rule


Nigeria today stands at a critical crossroads, burdened by deepening economic hardship and a political culture that many citizens believe has failed them. At the heart of this crisis is the alarming rise of nepotism and favoritism, which have become defining features of governance in the country. Competence, integrity, and merit are increasingly sidelined, while personal connections, ethnic loyalty, and political patronage determine who gets opportunities to lead. As a result, capable Nigerians who could drive national development are shut out of decision-making, and the nation continues to suffer the consequences.


Under the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), many Nigerians feel abandoned and unheard. Since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office, the cost of living has risen sharply, placing unbearable pressure on ordinary citizens. Telephone tariffs have increased, fuel prices have skyrocketed, gas prices have gone up, electricity tariffs have been reviewed upward, and food prices have become almost unaffordable for many families. Transportation costs have also surged, affecting workers, students, traders, and small business owners across the country. These increases have not been matched by corresponding improvements in wages, social welfare, or economic opportunities.


The most troubling question on the minds of Nigerians is simple and direct: what concrete steps has the Tinubu administration taken to reduce the suffering of the people? For many citizens, the answer appears to be “nothing.” Instead of relief, Nigerians are confronted daily with new policies that seem to worsen their condition. Inflation continues to erode purchasing power, unemployment remains high, and insecurity still threatens lives and livelihoods. The promise of renewed hope feels distant from the reality on the ground.


Adding to this hardship is the government’s proposal to impose higher taxes on Nigerians. Taxation, in principle, is not a bad idea when it is fair, transparent, and tied to visible public benefits. However, in a country like Nigeria where there are no effective tax return systems and little accountability on how public funds are used, increasing taxes appears unjust and insensitive. Citizens are being asked to pay more into a system that gives them very little in return—poor infrastructure, unreliable power supply, weak healthcare, and failing education.


For taxation to be acceptable and sustainable, Nigerians must be assured of tax returns and tangible benefits. There must be clear laws and systems that guarantee that taxpayers can see and feel the impact of their contributions through improved services and social protections. Without such measures, imposing outrageous taxes only deepens public anger and distrust toward a government already seen as disconnected from the people’s suffering.


Nigeria cannot progress under a system that rewards favoritism over merit and places the burden of economic failure on the shoulders of the poor. True leadership requires competence, compassion, and accountability. Until nepotism is dismantled, hardship is addressed with genuine policies, and citizens are treated as partners rather than victims, the suffering of Nigerians will continue. The demand is clear: a government that works for all Nigerians, not just a privileged few.

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