Isaac Fayose, younger brother of former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose, has described the administration of President Bola Tinubu as the worst in Nigeria’s history.
This was just as he accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of intimidating opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general election.
Fayose made the remarks during an appearance on News Central TV, where he alleged that the government was deliberately creating an atmosphere that could weaken opposition parties and restrict their political activities.
He claimed that about 67 per cent of Nigerians had been unhappy with the administration since it assumed office, although he did not provide data to support the figure.
“This is the worst government in the history of our country. You don’t even need to ask me, go to the street and ask,” he said.
“Over 67 per cent of Nigerians have been crying since this government came.”
The political commentator also compared Tinubu’s administration with that of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing the current situation as more difficult for Nigerians.
“Before, we thought that Buhari was shege, but this one is shege pro-max,” he said.
Fayose further claimed that the 2027 general election could be the first since Nigeria returned to democratic rule in 1999 in which the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would not appear on the ballot.
His remarks came amid growing political activities and disputes among parties positioning themselves for the next general election.
Accusing the APC of undermining opposition parties, Fayose alleged that political opponents had faced restrictions while attempting to hold public campaigns in some parts of the country.
“We have been shouting for the past three years that the APC government wants to kill the opposition. You can see what is happening now,” he said.
He also questioned Tinubu’s campaign activities ahead of the election, alleging that the president was reluctant to engage Nigerians directly because of concerns about his administration’s performance.
According to Fayose, the ruling party was attempting to prevent opposition politicians from taking their messages to the streets because it had little to show for its time in office.
He cited an incident involving the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, in Benue State, stating that he was prevented from entering the city during a political visit.
Fayose also recalled that opposition members were stopped from campaigning in Akwa Ibom State.
“Peter Obi was in Benue, they refused to let him enter the city. The other day, we were in Akwa Ibom and we were not allowed to campaign. They don’t have anything to offer,” he said.
He added that he considered it unusual for a president seeking re-election to avoid extensive campaign engagements while allegedly restricting opposition activities.
“This is the first time a president seeking re-election will say he can’t go round to a campaign that he has boys,” Fayose said.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, has warned the commission’s staff against partisan political activities, stressing the need for neutrality and professionalism ahead of the 2027 general election.
Amupitan gave the warning on Monday during an interactive session with INEC staff from the South-East region in Enugu, where he was on a working visit to engage traditional rulers and electoral stakeholders.
He said the commission would not tolerate conduct capable of undermining public confidence in the electoral process.
“You should not pick interest in any political party. Be neutral and firm,” he told the staff.
The INEC chairman also disclosed that the commission had introduced a reward and sanction system covering its local government, state and national offices to strengthen discipline and accountability.
He announced plans to move electoral officials from the conventional civil service salary structure to a special salary structure from January 1, 2027.
According to him, the proposed arrangement is intended to improve staff welfare and reduce the risk of electoral officials being induced before, during and after elections.
“We want the new salary structure so that you will not easily be induced before, during and after election,” he said, adding that the commission was working with relevant government agencies to secure funding for the initiative.
Amupitan urged personnel to discharge their duties diligently, noting that their conduct would be critical to the credibility of future elections.
On preparations for the polls, he said INEC had provided its Enugu office with 10 new pickup vans and would supply additional logistics as needed.
He added that non-sensitive election materials were ready, while contracts for other materials, including sensitive items, were being processed.
“The commission would also begin extensive training and retraining for its personnel to prepare them for new guidelines and regulations introduced under the amended Electoral Act,’’ he said.
