Former Minister criticizes governance style and economic hardship
Former Minister of State for Education, Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, has launched a scathing critique of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, describing its operations as more of a “cartel” than a government.
Speaking on Arise Television‘s ‘Prime Time’ on Thursday, January 22, 2026, Nwajiuba accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of presiding over a system of gross incompetence and elite capture. He argued that the current leadership has consolidated political power primarily to corner national resources for a few individuals, leaving the majority of Nigerians in unprecedented hardship.
Nwajiuba, who was a foundation member of the APC, expressed deep disappointment in the direction the party has taken since 2023. He questioned the logic behind several key policies, including the controversial tax reforms that officially took effect on January 1, 2026. The former minister claimed that the government’s approach to “structural resets” often bypasses due process and ignores the suffering of the masses. “This is not government,” he stated firmly. “When you have a group of people who are simply looking for how to corner everything for themselves, that is a cartel.”
The critique comes at a time when the Tinubu administration is facing increased heat from various quarters over the high cost of living and rising inflation. While the Presidency has consistently promised that the benefits of its “Renewed Hope” agenda will soon be felt, Nwajiuba argued that the foundation is flawed. He warned that the government’s “detached mindset” could lead to a significant political reckoning if the needs of the everyday Nigerian continue to be sidelined in favor of “cartel-like” interests.
APC defends reforms amid “cartel” accusations
The All Progressives Congress has swiftly responded to Nwajiuba’s remarks, dismissing them as the “bitter rantings” of a politician who has lost relevance. In a statement released shortly after the interview, the party leadership defended President Tinubu’s reforms as “once-in-a-generation” measures necessary to save the Nigerian economy from total collapse. They argued that the administration is focused on building a fair and sustainable revenue base, rather than serving any narrow interest group.
Government officials have pointed to recent economic indicators as proof that the “shock treatment” is working. President Tinubu, in his 2026 New Year message, noted that GDP growth is expected to exceed 4% this year, with inflation finally showing signs of easing below 15%. The administration maintains that the “cartel” narrative is a fabrication used by the opposition to distract from the tangible progress being made in infrastructure, agriculture, and security.
Despite these defenses, the “cartel” label has gained some traction among critics who feel the government is too closely aligned with specific corporate and political interests. Several civil society organizations have echoed Nwajiuba’s concerns, calling for greater transparency in how national wealth is managed. The debate over whether the current administration is a “reformist government” or a “political cartel” is likely to intensify as the country moves closer to the 2027 election cycle.
Northern groups and opposition rally against tax rollout
The controversy sparked by Nwajiuba is further fueled by the recent rollout of the 2025 Tax Reforms Act, which many Northern groups have described as an “assault on democracy.” The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) recently accused the Presidency of executive overreach, alleging that the tax laws were materially altered after being passed by the National Assembly. They joined Nwajiuba in questioning the government’s urgency in enforcing the laws amid widespread poverty and unemployment.
| Economic Concerns Cited by Critics | Official Government Position |
| Rising Inflation | Easing to below 15% by mid-2026. |
| Executive Overreach | Reforms follow due process and legal mandates. |
| Elite Capture/Cartel | Policies favor national growth and broad prosperity. |
| High Taxation | Necessary for infrastructure and social investment. |
Nwajiuba’s interview has emboldened other opposition figures who are now calling for a “unified front” to challenge the APC’s dominance. Figures like Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi have previously expressed similar sentiments regarding the “insensitivity” of the current administration’s fiscal policies. As the January 2026 political landscape becomes increasingly polarized, the Tinubu administration faces the uphill task of convincing a skeptical public that its “Renewed Hope” is more than just a slogan for a select few.
The former minister concluded his session by urging Nigerians to remain vigilant and demand accountability from their leaders. He insisted that the “cartel-style” governance must be replaced with a truly inclusive and democratic system that prioritizes the welfare of the people. With the 2026 Appropriation Bill currently under deliberation in the National Assembly, the pressure is on the legislature to prove its independence and ensure that the national budget serves the public interest rather than “cartel” ambitions.
