Nigeria at a Crossroads: Vote Wisely or Suffer Again

by Abel Japheth Adavize 

Nigeria stands wounded by hardship, insecurity, and broken promises. As the nation moves steadily toward another presidential election, citizens must confront a difficult truth: the future of the country will once again be decided not by politicians alone, but by the choices we make at the ballot box.

On this day three years ago, 29 May 2023, the 16th President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, was sworn into office after winning the 2023 presidential election under the All Progressives Congress (APC). Despite some achievements of his administration that may arguably be acknowledged, Nigeria has faced several major economic and social hardships that outweigh those achievements by a wide margin. Some of these challenges have been linked to government reforms, global economic pressures, and long-standing structural problems in the country.

The first major decision he took upon his assumption of office was the removal of fuel subsidy. This alone was a warning sign that Nigeria was in for difficult economic times, as the immediate effect was a sharp rise in the cost of transportation, food, and other basic necessities across the country. Following this, the country experienced severe inflation. Food became far more expensive, while rent, electricity costs, and daily living became increasingly difficult for many families. The naira began to depreciate steadily, and many Nigerians complained that salaries no longer matched the cost of living. This led to increased poverty levels, rising hunger and food insecurity, as well as more people taking multiple jobs just to survive.

Because of the increase in fuel prices, the rise in transport fares across the country cannot be overemphasised. The average cost of bus transportation within Nigerian cities rose from ₦649.59 in May 2023 to ₦1,285.41 in June 2023, less than a month after the President assumed office. On a year-on-year basis, bus fares reportedly rose by 120.63 per cent. For commercial drivers, take Abuja for instance, fuel now accounts for the bulk of operating costs. As a result, fares across major routes — from Nyanya to the city centre, Lugbe to Wuse, and Kubwa to Maitama — have doubled and, in some cases, tripled over the past year.

It is impossible to discuss the hardships in the country without addressing the issue of insecurity. Insecurity remains one of the greatest and most pressing concerns in Nigeria today. Since 2023, kidnappings for ransom and brutal killings have become increasingly common across the nation. Banditry in Nigeria remains a severe security crisis, with violent and coordinated attacks causing deaths, mass abductions and widespread displacement, particularly in the North-Central and North-West regions.

Why not begin with some of the most recent attacks? In Kwara State on 25 May 2026, bandits attacked the Yashikira Police Divisional Headquarters and the Emir’s palace in Kaiama Local Government Area, kidnapping 10 people and setting parts of the palace ablaze. Another attack on 24 May in Ori-Oke Ajaiye killed three worshippers and abducted 15 others. According to reports, armed gunmen invaded several schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on 15 May 2026. The attackers reportedly arrived during school hours and began shooting to create panic before abducting pupils, teachers and school staff. Days later, on 18 May 2026, reports emerged that one of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, had been killed by the kidnappers, allegedly through beheading.

The killings in Jos, which occurred on the night of 29 March 2026, also cannot be ignored. In the Angwan Rukuba/Gari Ya Waye area of Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, heavily armed gunmen invaded the community and opened fire on residents, killing at least 28 people and leaving 22 others injured. Little significant action was taken to bring the attackers to justice, aside from the President imposing a 48-hour curfew in Jos to prevent further violence. In Niger State, attacks in February 2026 resulted in at least 32 deaths in the Baraku Local Government Area, with over 200 assailants reportedly operating for several hours. All these incidents occurred under the watch of a democratically elected government.

We have reached a crossroads. 2027 is near, campaigns are already approaching, and once again, politicians will attempt to win citizens over with empty promises and political sweet talk. The forthcoming presidential election is our opportunity to finally say, “Enough is enough.” Over the past three years, Nigeria has survived on promises that have largely failed to translate into meaningful relief for ordinary citizens. Three years is more than enough time to reveal the competence, direction, and capacity of any leadership — qualities the country is evidently lacking at the moment.

Nigeria is bleeding, and the key to change lies in our hands. Therefore, this is a call to action for all citizens, both old and young, especially the vibrant youths, to remember the suffering, pain, and hardship that have persisted for far too long. The decisions we make today will shape the Nigeria of tomorrow, because the future is now.