Bello Malik Abiodun
As Nigeria gradually approaches another electoral season, concerns continue to mount over the long-term consequences of leadership choices made at the polls. Many citizens now reflect on the popular saying that “elections have consequences,” emphasizing that voting is not merely a constitutional exercise but a decision that shapes the future of the nation and the lives of its people.
Observers argue that the outcomes of the last three electoral cycles have left Nigeria grappling with severe economic, security, and social challenges. Critics point to the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing his eight-year tenure as a period marked by economic recession, rising insecurity, and growing disconnect between government and citizens.
During Buhari’s administration, concerns were repeatedly raised over his prolonged medical trips abroad, worsening terrorist attacks, and the government’s response to national crises. His administration also faced heavy criticism following the ban on Twitter during the #EndSARS protests, a movement that drew global attention after allegations of killings of protesters at the Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos.
Many Nigerians also faulted the former president for comments perceived as dismissive toward the youth population, especially amid growing unemployment and economic hardship. Critics argued that despite Nigeria’s vast natural and human resources, millions of young people remained unemployed and economically frustrated under policies that failed to stimulate sustainable growth.
The rehabilitation programme for repentant terrorists introduced during the Buhari administration also generated widespread controversy. Opponents questioned the rationale behind allocating public funds to rehabilitate insurgents while victims of terrorism continued to suffer displacement, poverty, and insecurity.
Following Buhari’s exit from office, Nigerians once again went to the polls with hopes of electing leaders capable of reversing the nation’s decline. However, critics contend that the emergence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has further deepened concerns over governance, economic hardship, and national unity.
The Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket of the ruling party sparked intense national debate, with many Nigerians arguing that it undermined the country’s longstanding religious balancing tradition. Economic reforms introduced by the Tinubu administration, particularly the removal of fuel subsidies and foreign exchange reforms, have also been blamed for rising inflation, increased school fees, and worsening living conditions.
Although initiatives such as the NELFUND student loan programme were introduced to cushion the impact of higher education costs, critics argue that many graduates may struggle with repayment due to widespread unemployment and underemployment across the country.
Meanwhile, insecurity remains one of the nation’s greatest concerns. Kidnapping, banditry, and terrorist attacks continue to spread across several regions, leaving many citizens fearful and frustrated. Security analysts and concerned Nigerians have repeatedly accused the government of failing in its primary constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property.
Political commentators say the growing hardship and insecurity should serve as a wake-up call to voters ahead of future elections. They stress that Nigerians must critically evaluate candidates beyond ethnic, religious, or sentimental considerations and focus instead on competence, empathy, accountability, and leadership capacity.
As another election cycle draws near, many citizens are now asking difficult but necessary questions: Have Nigerians learned from past mistakes? Will voters continue to support leaders who fail to address insecurity and economic hardship? Or will the country chart a new course by electing leaders capable of restoring hope, stability, and national progress?
For many observers, the answers to these questions may ultimately determine whether Nigeria can reclaim its lost glory or continue to struggle under the weight of poor leadership decisions.
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