‘Tinubu Practicing Voodoo Economics, Don’t Believe Him’ — Kenneth Okonkwo To Nigerians

Kenneth Okonkwo, spokesperson for African Democratic Congress presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies, accusing the Federal Government of practising what he described as “voodoo economics.”

Okonkwo made the remarks while discussing the state of Nigeria’s economy and the impact of the government’s policies on citizens.

He argued that Nigerians should not accept official claims about economic improvement without considering the prices of goods and services and the conditions facing households.

The former Labour Party chieftain particularly questioned the government’s claims concerning declining inflation, arguing that a reduction in the inflation rate does not necessarily mean that prices of goods and services have fallen.

According to him, Nigerians continue to experience increases in the cost of food, transportation and other basic necessities despite official economic indicators showing changes in the inflation rate.

Okonkwo had previously criticised the timing of Tinubu’s decision to remove the petrol subsidy, arguing that the government should have put adequate measures in place before implementing the policy.

He maintained that subsidy should not exist in an oil-producing country such as Nigeria but said the transition away from the policy should have been better planned.

The ADC spokesman also argued that the government should have ensured adequate fuel supply and addressed issues surrounding market competition before removing the subsidy.

His latest comments come amid continuing political debate over the impact of Tinubu’s economic reforms, including fuel subsidy removal, foreign exchange reforms and changes to government revenue and spending.

The Federal Government has maintained that the reforms are necessary to strengthen the economy, attract investment and create the conditions for long-term growth, while officials have pointed to changes in inflation, government revenue and other economic indicators as evidence of progress.

Okonkwo, however, has continued to challenge the government’s assessment of the economy and its communication of the reforms to Nigerians.

His comments also come as political parties and opposition figures intensify their criticism of the administration ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Okonkwo is currently serving as a spokesperson for Atiku Abubakar, who is the African Democratic Congress presidential candidate.

The debate over the economy is expected to remain a major issue in Nigeria’s political discourse as parties and candidates present competing assessments of the government’s reforms and their effects on citizens.