"Nigeria Is Not Okay": Adamu Garba Warns Tinubu Is Surrounded by Sycophants Giving False Impression of National Stability

 

Amid mounting concerns about the state of Nigeria’s political and economic direction, Adamu Garba, a prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has voiced a sharp warning to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Garba alleges that the president is surrounded by individuals who feed him inaccurate and overly optimistic narratives, shielding him from the harsh realities affecting ordinary Nigerians and the ruling party.

During a live appearance on Channels Television on Tuesday, July 22, Garba did not hold back as he addressed what he described as a troubling culture of sycophancy surrounding Nigeria’s number one citizen. He pointed to a dangerous atmosphere in which the president is allegedly being misled into believing that all is well with the country, when in fact, the opposite is true.

Garba emphasized that many within the president’s circle are not providing him with honest feedback. Instead, they are more concerned with maintaining favor and access than with presenting facts, even when those facts are unpleasant. He warned that this culture of flattery and misrepresentation could lead to long-term damage for both the administration and the APC as a whole.

“This is the more reason why we need to be very sincere with ourselves,” Garba said during the interview. “We must ensure that the leadership of the party is not only truthful but also open to criticism. We need people who are ready to accept hard truths, without flattery, without sycophancy.”

He added that the APC must wake up to the political threats it faces, especially from the emerging coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which he accused of actively hoping for the ruling party’s collapse. According to Garba, if the APC fails to reconnect with reality and address the challenges facing Nigerians, it risks losing its grip on power.

The APC chieftain’s comments arrive at a time when Nigerians across various regions are expressing frustrations over inflation, insecurity, and governance issues. Rising food prices, a declining naira, and public discontent over subsidy removals have all contributed to a tense atmosphere nationwide.

Observers say Garba’s warning is not just about internal politics but reflects a deeper concern about how the Tinubu administration is perceived by the average citizen. Political analysts have noted that if the president is indeed insulated from public opinion and harsh realities, he may find it difficult to respond effectively to the challenges facing the nation.

Garba’s statements could also be seen as a veiled criticism of the presidential advisory structure. Many within the APC have previously called for a reorganization of Tinubu’s inner circle, pushing for the inclusion of more technocrats and grassroots politicians who can provide real-time feedback from various parts of the country.

By stressing the need for leaders who are willing to accept criticism, Garba also called into question the current political culture where speaking truth to power is often discouraged or even punished. He warned that unless this pattern is broken, those in power may remain unaware of the growing dissatisfaction among the populace.

For Garba, the stakes are not just political; they are existential for the APC. He highlighted the need for a leadership that engages honestly with both its supporters and critics, especially as the country moves toward future elections. Without that level of engagement and accountability, he warned, the party could face serious consequences.

His remarks have sparked conversations on social media, with many Nigerians echoing similar sentiments about the disconnect between government leadership and everyday realities. Others have expressed concern about whether such bold warnings will be heeded by those in Tinubu’s administration or dismissed as mere internal party politics.

Despite the controversy his comments may generate within party ranks, Adamu Garba has positioned himself as a voice of caution, urging the president and the APC to look beyond the comforting lies of praise singers. His message is clear: the truth may be uncomfortable, but it is necessary for effective governance and national healing.