RismadarVoice Reporters
November 7, 2026
Businessman and political affairs consultant Oluwole Aguda has said President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms require more time to deliver their intended benefits, arguing that a second term could provide an opportunity to consolidate existing policies and improve implementation.
Aguda, a former 2019 governorship aspirant in Kogi State under the African Action Congress, expressed the view during an interview assessing the administration’s economic policies, security challenges and political developments ahead of the 2027 general election.
He acknowledged that fuel subsidy removal, exchange-rate reforms and rising living costs had imposed considerable hardship on Nigerians.
However, he argued that reversing the policies without evaluating their long-term effects could undermine efforts to address structural weaknesses in the economy.
Aguda maintained that the government’s performance should ultimately be measured by improvements in household purchasing power, employment opportunities, productivity and access to essential services.
He identified the Nigerian Education Loan Fund as one of the administration’s interventions, citing increased financial support for students in public tertiary institutions.
On infrastructure, he highlighted the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and ongoing road projects across northern Nigeria as initiatives with potential economic benefits.
Nevertheless, he acknowledged that infrastructure spending and policy announcements would have limited significance unless they produced measurable improvements in people’s lives.
Addressing insecurity in northern Nigeria, Aguda said residents would assess the administration based on whether farmers could return safely to their farms, children could attend school without fear, and displaced families could return home.
He also called for greater accountability in federal appointments, urging authorities to ensure compliance with the constitutional principle of federal character.
According to him, allegations of ethnic favouritism should be examined through verifiable appointment records rather than political assumptions.
On defections to the All Progressives Congress, Aguda said politicians frequently changed parties for strategic and electoral reasons.
He cautioned that the concentration of political influence within one party could raise concerns about the strength of democratic competition.
Aguda maintained that political parties should compete through policies, programmes and performance rather than the misuse of government institutions.
While expressing support for policy continuity, he stressed that Nigerians should not be expected to endure economic hardship indefinitely without visible improvements.
He said the administration must demonstrate measurable progress in security, employment, economic stability and social welfare if its reform agenda is to deliver lasting benefits.
