2027: ‘We will, we will’: Nigerians mock Tinubu over fresh campaign promises

Nigerians have criticised President Bola Tinubu over fresh promises to improve electricity supply, reduce the cost of living and create jobs ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

The criticism followed his address at the All Progressives Congress APC presidential campaign rally in Dutse, Jigawa State, on Tuesday.

Tinubu outlined several plans for his second term if re-elected. They include tackling electricity challenges, strengthening industries, supporting small businesses and creating more jobs.

He also promised interest-free loans for farmers, agricultural subsidies and improved food security.

“We will reduce the cost of living. We will provide reliable power, not the whole privatisation that is not working. We will provide you with reliable electricity in Nigeria.

“We will stimulate a stronger industrial base for our country. We will support nano, small and medium-scale businesses and expand job opportunities for people who earn a living.

“We have to invest in agriculture. We will subsidise farming, reward small-scale farmers and introduce interest-free loans for farmers. Prosperity is coming, and food security will happen,” Tinubu said.

However, the promises sparked criticism on social media. Several Nigerians questioned why the President was making similar pledges after more than three years in office.

One question repeatedly raised by critics was whether Tinubu was contesting for the presidency for the first time. They noted that many of his latest commitments featured prominently in his 2023 campaign.

Some users recalled his earlier promise to address Nigeria’s electricity problems and end estimated billing.

“Whichever way, by all means necessary, you will have electricity, and you will not pay for estimated bills anymore. A promise made will be a promise kept,” Tinubu had declared.

During the 2023 campaign, he also challenged Nigerians not to re-elect him if he failed to fulfil the pledge, except he provided convincing reasons.

“If I don’t keep the promise and I come for a second term, don’t vote for me, unless I give you adequate reasons why I couldn’t deliver,” he said.

Reacting to the latest pledges, @tobechiohaeri questioned why Tinubu was making fresh promises after spending over three years in office.

“Are you contesting for the first time? After four years, you are still promising. You spent N17 billion on solar for yourself and left us in darkness. Should we give you another four years to waste our lives? How many years do we have left? God forbid,” the user wrote.

Similarly, @hon_yaroo accused the APC of recycling unfulfilled campaign promises. The user also claimed the party had lost public support.

“Promises inside unfulfilled promises? APC is gone. Look at the faces of those in front of him; he knows they are not happy and don’t want him. The guy is gone,” the user said.

Another critic, @akpancino, warned Nigerians against giving the President another mandate.

“Fool us once, shame on you. Fool us twice, shame on Nigerians. You can’t give what you don’t have,” the user wrote.

For @yagazieluchidi, Tinubu’s repeated use of future promises had become a source of ridicule rather than anger.

“At this point, I need to start laughing at Tinubu and APC. I used to be angry, but right now, I can’t help laughing. ‘We will, we will, we will.’ Does the sitting President not remember that he is already in office?” the user queried.

Meanwhile, @Aminuidaah expressed disappointment over the failure to revive industries and address electricity shortages despite the removal of the fuel subsidy.

The user said many Nigerians had expected the policy to create opportunities for reviving the country’s steel and textile industries. They also hoped it would encourage the development of mineral resources and create jobs.

Other critics questioned Tinubu’s credibility by recalling his commitment to resolving the electricity crisis within two years of assuming office.

@Drzoeoluwatoyin argued that Nigerians had little reason to trust another electricity promise. The user said power supply had worsened under the current administration.

The user further urged Nigerians to consider Tinubu’s performance before deciding whether to support his re-election bid in 2027.