Political chieftain compares current hardship to past eras
The former presidential candidate and a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has delivered a scathing assessment of the economy under the current administration.
On Thursday, February 5, 2026, the politician noted that the economic conditions facing Nigerians today are significantly worse than what was experienced during the eras of Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan. He argued that while past governments faced their own challenges, the current level of “Renewed Hope” has not yet translated into relief for the common man.
Olawepo-Hashim maintained that the rapid devaluation of the Naira and the removal of subsidies have created a “clog in the wheel” of domestic productivity. He noted that during the Jonathan administration, the middle class experienced a level of stability that has now completely evaporated for many families. The politician expressed concern that the poverty rate is climbing at an alarming pace, leaving millions of households unable to afford basic nutritional needs as 2026 progresses.
The chieftain’s critique is particularly notable given his affiliation with the ruling party, suggesting a growing internal discourse regarding the direction of the country. He called for an immediate “Sanctity” of economic policy review, urging the government to prioritize human welfare over abstract macroeconomic figures. According to Hashim, the of any democratic government is the prosperity of its citizens, a metric he believes is currently failing.
Comparisons with the Obasanjo and Jonathan years
In his detailed analysis, Olawepo-Hashim pointed out that under President Obasanjo, the country successfully exited the Paris Club debt, which provided a massive fiscal cushion. He contrasted this with the current debt profile, which continues to rise despite aggressive tax collection efforts. The politician argued that the “Renewed Hope” agenda must learn from the planning strategies of the early 2000s to prevent a total systemic collapse.
He further noted that the Jonathan years saw significant investments in the agricultural sector through the E-Wallet system for farmers. Olawepo-Hashim believes that the abandonment of such successful localized programs has contributed to the current food insecurity. He maintained that the government must move beyond blame games and accept that the current suffering is unprecedented in the Fourth Republic.
A call for urgent structural intervention
The APC chieftain concluded by warning that the patience of Nigerians is wearing thin as the cost of living reaches a breaking point. He suggested that the government should introduce more robust social safety nets that are not prone to corruption or political favoritism. Without a drastic change in the economic trajectory, he fears that the 2027 elections will be defined by an angry and hungry electorate.
As February 2026 continues, the debate over the “Renewed Hope” economic performance is expected to intensify across the country. Olawepo-Hashim’s intervention serves as a reminder that even within the ruling party, there are voices calling for a return to basics. For the average Nigerian, the hope remains that the wealth will eventually trickle down to the street level.
