A recent nationwide survey conducted by the Africa Polling Institute (API) has delivered a troubling verdict on the current administration, revealing that 83% of Nigerians have little or no trust in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government. The report, which is part of the institute’s 2025 Social Cohesion Index, paints a grim picture of public perception under Tinubu’s leadership.
According to the data, 53% of respondents say they have no trust at all in the administration, while 30% say they only have a little trust. This marks a steep decline in public confidence and is considered one of the lowest trust ratings ever recorded for a sitting Nigerian president since API began its annual tracking.
But the crisis of confidence goes beyond just the presidency. The National Assembly also fares poorly, with 82% of Nigerians saying they have little or no trust in the legislative body. Similarly, the judiciary receives low marks, with 79% of respondents expressing doubt in the integrity and impartiality of the justice system.
The widespread distrust is largely attributed to the harsh economic conditions, soaring cost of living, worsening insecurity, and unmet campaign promises. Nigerians across different regions report daily struggles with high food prices, transportation costs, lack of stable electricity, and a weakening currency. Many feel that while reforms have been introduced—such as the removal of fuel subsidy and exchange rate unification—they have not been accompanied by effective measures to cushion the economic impact on ordinary citizens.
In a particularly telling section of the report, the API noted that Nigeria’s overall social cohesion score stood at 46.8%, below the 50% threshold required for a cohesive society. This signals growing division, frustration, and detachment from government institutions.
However, the survey also uncovered some hopeful insights. Despite widespread dissatisfaction, 76% of Nigerians say they are still willing to participate in political and civic activities, and 79% believe in the need for ethnic cooperation. An impressive 91% even support inter-ethnic marriages, suggesting that Nigerians, at their core, are still hopeful about unity and coexistence—if only the government can inspire confidence.
The Africa Polling Institute has recommended urgent steps to rebuild trust, including the creation of a National Cohesion Commission, stronger accountability from public institutions, and transparent communication from leaders.
As it stands, this survey sends a clear message to the Tinubu-led administration: Nigerians are losing faith, and regaining their trust will require more than policies—it will require people-first leadership, transparency, and visible results.
Source: Sahara Reporters, Africa Polling Institute Social Cohesion Survey, 2025.
