The National Chairman of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, yesterday claimed that President Bola Tinubu is disconnected from the realities confronting Nigerians.

Speaking on Arise TV yesterday, he criticised President Tinubu’s remarks last week those who fail to recognise the administration’s efforts would require prescription glasses. The President had said: “If they don’t want to see the hope… we shall lend them ‘jigi-bola’… eyeglasses.”

But Baba-Ahmed said Tinubu’s comments raised concerns about the government’s awareness of prevailing economic and security challenges. The former Special Adviser to Vice-President Kashim Shettima on Political Matters said: “If a President would say, if you don’t see his progress, you need either to wear new glasses, or you’re biased beyond a point, I think we should be even more worried.”

He added: “There is no way you can live in this country, see the level of poverty and unaccountability, and still expect Nigerians to applaud your performance.”

According to him, the Tinubu government’s reforms have not translated into improved living conditions for citizens. Baba-Ahmed said: “The reforms on paper do not reflect the reality Nigerians face. “We are more insecure, we are hungrier, we are more desperate.”

Baba-Ahmed believes the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is beatable in a free and fair election in 2027, citing policy failures and public dissatisfaction. He said: “If the president goes into an election with this mindset and allows a free and fair process, then we are home and dry. “One of the reasons why we feel confident that we can defeat the APC is exactly this kind of mindset. You have 10, 12, 20 failings of an administration that is saying ‘we have done fantastic’.”