Arise News Politics Editor, Sumner Sambo, has urged President Bola Tinubu to shift attention from criticisms of the opposition and focus on addressing poverty, hunger and the worsening economic hardship confronting Nigerians.
Sambo made the call on Monday during an interview on Arise Television’s Morning Show, arguing that Nigerians are more interested in the government’s efforts to improve their living conditions than in its political exchanges with opposition parties.
He said the Tinubu administration should provide clear and measurable targets for poverty reduction, explain the progress recorded so far and outline its plans for addressing economic challenges if the President seeks re-election in 2027.
According to him, the government must demonstrate its commitment to improving the welfare of citizens through concrete policies and verifiable results rather than relying on political rhetoric.
“President Tinubu must focus on tackling poverty and not blaming the opposition. What Nigerians want to know is what his government is doing. What has he done to reduce the issues of poverty?” Sambo said.
He argued that the President should communicate specific economic indicators, including the poverty situation inherited by his administration, the interventions introduced to address it and the expected outcomes of those policies.
Sambo also advised the President’s speechwriters to place greater emphasis on the administration’s economic performance and development agenda rather than repeatedly directing attention towards the opposition.
He maintained that the political opposition in the country had changed considerably, warning that the government should not rely on outdated political narratives to explain its performance or address public concerns.
The comments come as political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, with economic hardship, rising living costs and citizens’ welfare expected to remain major issues in the political debate.