A spokesperson for President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 campaign says Nigeria has passed the worst phase of its economic crisis, despite persistent hardship and rising living costs.
Hajia Kemi Asekun-Shittu expressed confidence that the country’s economic situation would improve if the government maintained its current reform policies.
She made the remarks during an interview with PUNCH in Abuja on Sunday while defending Tinubu’s economic decisions ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
“To a very large extent, the worst is behind us,” she said.
Asekun-Shittu also cited the World Bank’s assessment of poverty trends. She argued that poverty levels had stopped rising and could begin to decline if the country stayed on its current path.
Tinubu’s Campaign Team Admits Economic Hardship Could Affect Election
Asekun-Shittu acknowledged that public dissatisfaction with economic conditions could become a challenge for Tinubu’s re-election campaign.
She identified poor understanding of the administration’s policies as a possible obstacle.
“A lack of understanding of the current economic situation may be an obstacle. And that is why we will not stop explaining,” she said.
The spokesperson added that Tinubu had urged his supporters to explain the government’s policies to Nigerians.
She compared economic recovery to pregnancy, arguing that meaningful results require time.
According to her, the benefits of the government’s reforms cannot emerge immediately.
Aide Defends Petrol Subsidy Removal, Forex Reforms
Asekun-Shittu defended the removal of petrol subsidy and the unification of the foreign exchange market.
Both policies were introduced in May 2023. They have contributed to higher transportation costs, increased food prices and pressure on household incomes.
She maintained that the reforms were necessary to prevent a deeper economic crisis.
The campaign spokesperson also argued that Nigeria’s economic problems predated Tinubu’s administration.
She cited previous warnings from prominent Nigerians, including Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo, former Central Bank Governor Lamido Sanusi and former Finance Minister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.
Asekun-Shittu further argued that opposition politicians had also acknowledged the need to address Nigeria’s economic challenges.
She questioned why Tinubu should not receive credit for taking difficult decisions that previous leaders avoided.
Rising Cost of Living Remains a Major Concern
Despite the campaign spokesperson’s optimism, many Nigerians continue to face rising living costs.
Inflation, unemployment, reduced purchasing power and expensive essential goods remain major concerns for households and businesses.
The Tinubu administration has pointed to improved government revenue and increased foreign exchange liquidity as signs of economic progress.
However, questions remain about how these developments have improved the daily lives of ordinary Nigerians.
Asekun-Shittu also identified stability in the tertiary education sector as one of the administration’s achievements.
She said the government had delivered on Tinubu’s campaign promise that students would complete four-year university programmes within four years.
Her comments come as the APC prepares for the 2027 elections, with the economy expected to remain a major campaign issue.
Tinubu’s re-election bid will face scrutiny over inflation, unemployment, declining purchasing power and the cost of essential goods and services.
