Opinion
By Chibe Ofor
APPLYING psychological concepts to the leadership of Bola Ahmed Tinubu shows 25 reasons why this government failed Nigerians.
1. Lack of Emotional Intelligence
Most government policies, particularly fuel subsidy removal and economic reforms, were implemented without sufficient attention to the emotional and social impact on ordinary Nigerians. From a leadership perspective, emotional intelligence involves understanding and responding appropriately to the feelings and concerns of citizens, but this government failed completely on emotional intelligence.
2. Narcissism – An unhealthy focus on self-glory, recognition, and personal achievements rather than organizational goals. The government was founded on “this is my turn” to demonstrate power and being recognized in the history as one of the Nigerian president. The local interest was on self-glor, rather than the interest of the masses.
3. Authoritarianism:
A tendency to dominate and control followers without considering their opinions or welfare. This was the Lagos method of leadership that has been replicated over the entire Nigeria with almost all the Governors at the service of the president without considering the interest of the citizens.
4. Impulsiveness – Making decisions without careful thought, analysis, or consultation. The decision of removal of fuel subsidy was impulsively done and the negative consequences is much on Nigerians.
5. Insecurity – Fear of being overshadowed by subordinates, often resulting in suppression of talented team members and opposition. The target of this current government is one party system because of their sense of insecurity and fear of criticism from the opposition.
6.. Arrogance – Excessive pride that makes a leader feel superior to others and unwilling to accept advice or correction is clearly seen in the leadership style of the current Nigerian president. One rich man’s idea has totally ruined the nation.
7. Greed – Excessive desire for power, wealth, or privileges at the expense of others. The level of accumulation of government officials within and outside the country is very high. There is fear that this nation will be emptied totally by this current government before the end of their first tenure because of their excessive greed and selfishness.
8. Vindictiveness – Seeking revenge against critics or perceived opponents. This is clearly seen with the persecution of political opponent through the government agencies and imprisonment of freedom fighters.
9. Selfishness – Prioritizing personal interests above the needs of the group or organization. It is very clear to every Nigerian that need of top politicians such as governors, ministers and APC are highly prioritized above the Nigerian interest.
10. Intolerance – Inability to accommodate differing opinions, cultures, beliefs, or perspectives. Various government agencies are fully committed to oppression and persecution of opposition parties and differing voices.
11. Manipulativeness – Using deception, emotional pressure, or hidden motives to control others. This was clearly seen at the beginning of this administration but Nigerian are becoming wiser now.
12. Lack of Empathy
Many Nigerians are facing inflation, rising food prices, and economic hardship testifies that government responses have not adequately reflected their daily struggles. This as a lack of empathy. The argument by supportters that the reforms are intended to produce long-term benefits despite short-term difficulties have equally failed after three year. Hence empathy is totally lacking.
13. Lack of Self-Awareness
Government officials sometimes underestimate public dissatisfaction with the personalities, policies and background of the persons involved in this government. In leadership theory, self-awareness involves recognizing how one’s person, actions and decisions are perceived by followers. The personalities of this government are ignorant of the fact that they are negativity perceived by the masses.
14. Lack of Accountability
civil society groups have criticized the administration for not providing sufficient explanations regarding certain policy outcomes, expenditures, or appointments. Accountability requires leaders to take responsibility for decisions and openly explain their actions such as the savings from fuel subsidy.
15. Lack of Communication
One of the most common failure of this administration is that major policy decisions are not always accompanied by clear, consistent, and timely communication. Effective leadership communication helps citizens understand the reasons for policies, expected outcomes, and implementation timelines.
16. Overconfidence
Critics argue that the government demonstrates excessive confidence in the effectiveness of its economic reforms despite public concerns and hardships.
17. Authoritarian Tendencies
Responses to protests, dissent, and criticism reflect an overly centralized approach to power. This authoritarian tendencies is seen clearly with the merging of the three arms of the government under the sole control of the presidency.
18. Rigidity
Critics have proved that the administration has often remained committed to controversial policies despite widespread calls for modification or reconsideration. The policy of borrowing is really weighting down on the nation.
19. Favoritism
Political analyst have proven regional, ethnic, or political favoritism in appointments and resource allocation. Such allegations is so common and normal in this current Nigerian politics and remain subjects of public debate.
20. Insecurity Toward Criticism
Some analysts argue that government officials can be defensive when confronted with criticism from opposition parties, civil society organizations, or the media. Instead of solving the current problem, the government is very insecure in their defense and the nation is getting insecure every day.
21. Poor Crisis Communication
During periods of economic difficulty, insecurity, or public unrest, critics argue that communication from government agencies has not always been coordinated or reassuring. Many kidnapped victims are in the bush without communication from the government on their rescue.
22. Detachment from Citizens
A recurring criticism is that senior political leaders appear distant from the everyday experiences of ordinary Nigerians, creating a gap between government and citizens. The president is always on foreign trip while his citizens are wallowing in the bush in the hands of kidnappers.
23. Blame-Shifting
This administration of has formed a habit of attributing current challenges primarily to previous governments or external economic conditions rather than accepting responsibility for present outcomes.
24. Insufficient Consultation
Some stakeholders have argued that major policy reforms would benefit from broader consultation with labor unions, professional bodies, and civil society organizations. But this is completely absent in this current government.
25. Limited Responsiveness
It is very clear that public complaints about inflation, unemployment, and insecurity have not always received sufficiently rapid policy responses.decisions. High number of the kidnapped are still in the bush without any reasonable response from the government.
These 25 psychological reasons at the back of the mind of the current president of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu have made it impossible for him to be a successful president and have counted him as a failure in the life of Nigerians. One the biggest failure in our era.
A.I
June 10, 2026
Tags: Chibe Ofor