Prominent political figures and influential organisations in Nigeria have ushered in 2026 with frank assessments of the country’s challenges, urging the federal government to prioritise good governance, tackle insecurity head-on, combat corruption, and ensure economic reforms deliver tangible benefits to ordinary citizens.
These messages, coming from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), and the Middle Belt Forum (MBF), reflect a shared concern over the hardships faced by Nigerians in 2025 while expressing hope for meaningful change in the new year.
Atiku Abubakar, in a strongly worded statement, described 2025 as one of the most difficult periods in recent Nigerian history, characterised by economic hardship, rising insecurity, and governance lapses under the current administration. He criticised what he termed policy failures, reckless borrowing, and a controversial tax reform process marred by allegations of discrepancies in gazetted laws.
“For millions of long-suffering Nigerians, the only consolation is that 2025, one of the most punishing years in our recent history, has come to an end,” Atiku said. He highlighted economic suffocation, surging kidnappings and violent crimes, factory closures, and rising unemployment, adding that the people’s resilience sustained the nation despite leadership shortcomings.
Atiku further warned against mistaking citizens’ endurance for approval, stating that these hardships must become the fuel for national awakening. He called for unity beyond ethnic and religious divisions, emphasising the ballot as a tool for peaceful change ahead of the 2027 elections.
Peter Obi echoed similar sentiments, framing 2026 as an opportunity for national rebirth rooted in truth, compassion, and accountability. The former Anambra State governor urged leaders to embrace honesty in public office and shift focus from extravagance to the needs of the vulnerable.
“Let this year be one where public office is seen as a solemn call to service rather than a platform for personal enrichment,” Obi stated. He advocated prioritising investments in health, education, and job creation over wasteful spending, adding that a new Nigeria is possible through collective resolve and shared sacrifice.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), led by Archbishop Daniel Okoh, cautioned that the quiet endurance of hardships should not be misinterpreted as contentment. Reflecting on the strains of 2025, including high living costs and insecurity, CAN stressed that reforms must translate into affordable food, accessible healthcare, and employment opportunities.
The association noted that the persistence of insecurity across the country remains a grave national concern and called for decisive action against terrorism, banditry, and kidnappings, alongside a comprehensive plan for resettling displaced communities. It also emphasised the need for moral leadership guided by integrity to confront corruption and division.
The Middle Belt Forum (MBF), through its president Dr Bitrus Pogu, adopted a tone of cautious optimism, citing emerging developments such as international assistance in combating insecurity and the rollout of new tax laws. While acknowledging uncertainties around the tax regime’s impact, Pogu urged cooperation with government efforts and stressed the importance of strong opposition politics ahead of 2027 to deepen democracy.
The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) expressed hope that leaders would deliver sincere governance free from partisan excuses. Its publicity secretary, Prof Tukur Baba, highlighted the urgency of confronting insecurity and corruption decisively to restore public confidence.
Meanwhile, the PDP demanded that protecting lives and property become the government’s top priority, warning against another year of unfulfilled promises. The party reaffirmed its commitment to holding those in power accountable while advocating fair and equitable resource distribution.
These collective appeals come against a backdrop of significant challenges in 2025. Although Nigeria’s inflation rate moderated by late 2025, food and core inflation remained high, continuing to strain household incomes. Multidimensional poverty still affects a large proportion of the population, with rural communities bearing the heaviest burden.
Insecurity also persisted, particularly in the North-West and North-Central regions, where banditry and kidnappings displaced communities and claimed lives. The new tax reforms that took effect on January 1, 2026, attracted criticism over transparency concerns, even as the government insisted on proceeding with implementation.
