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Tinubu Administration’s Reliance on Propaganda Over Substance Draws Criticism
In what critics describe as a troubling pattern, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration appears to be prioritizing propaganda over substantive governance, falling into a trap that political historians have warned about for decades.
The administration’s approach mirrors what the late Harvard Professor Barbara Tuchman identified in her seminal work “The March of Folly” as a fundamental error of governance: the belief that leadership knows all. This mindset, according to Tuchman’s analysis of 3,000 years of governmental failures from Troy to Vietnam, typically precedes a cascade of administrative missteps.
Former U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger’s observations on leadership seem particularly relevant to Nigeria’s current situation. In his memoir “White House Years,” Kissinger noted that leaders often rely on intellectual capital formed before taking office, struggling to generate new ideas when confronting unexpected challenges.
“There is little time for leaders to reflect. They are locked in an endless battle in which the urgent constantly gains on the important,” Kissinger wrote, describing how circumstances often overwhelm thoughtful decision-making.
This dynamic appears evident in the Tinubu administration’s approach to criticism. For nearly two years, the administration has projected an image of infallibility, dismissing critics rather than engaging with substantive concerns about governance and security.
The administration’s security apparatus has come under particular scrutiny. National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, appointed in 2023, has been criticized for offering premature praise of Nigeria’s military efforts against terrorism. Just months into his tenure, Ribadu lauded the armed forces for “successes” in fighting insecurity, claiming they had “done an amazingly good job.”
This assessment contrasts sharply with reality. Nigeria’s security situation has deteriorated to the point that the United States government has considered intervention to protect Nigerians from terrorist groups. President Tinubu’s recent dismissal of military leadership and appointment of new service chiefs further contradicts Ribadu’s earlier positive assessment.
Official claims of progress against kidnapping also appear disconnected from data. While Ribadu claimed in December 2024 that security agencies had achieved “80 percent success against kidnapping,” Nigeria’s Bureau of Statistics reported that kidnappers received approximately N2.2 trillion (about $1.41 billion) in ransom payments between May 2023 and April 2024—exceeding Nigeria’s entire 2024 defense budget of N1.64 trillion.
The country’s terrorism index actually increased from 7.58 points in 2023 to 7.66 points in 2024, during Ribadu’s tenure as National Security Adviser, further contradicting official narratives of improvement.
The administration’s handling of religious aspects of terrorism has also drawn criticism. Despite official insistence that terrorism in Nigeria is not religiously motivated against Christians, critics point to cases like Leah Sharibu. Abducted at age 14 in 2018 by Boko Haram from Dapchi Government Secondary School, Sharibu—now 22—remains in captivity after refusing to renounce her Christian faith. Her continued captivity receives little acknowledgment in government communications.
Nigeria’s diminished regional leadership represents another area of concern. During the 1970s and 1980s, Nigeria demonstrated significant international influence, particularly in the anti-apartheid struggle, where it successfully challenged U.S. policies despite Henry Kissinger’s formidable diplomatic presence. Today, critics argue, Nigeria possesses neither the leadership capabilities nor the diplomatic coherence to play a meaningful role in regional affairs.
As famed Afrobeat musician Fela Kuti once described in pidgin English, Nigeria under current leadership appears to be “rolling like a ball blown aimlessly by the wind into a nasty corner”—a stark metaphor for what critics see as a rudderless ship of state driven more by image management than substantive governance.
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12 Comments
This article sheds light on a common pitfall of government – the temptation to rely on propaganda and outdated approaches rather than adapting to evolving challenges. Kissinger’s observation about leaders struggling to generate fresh ideas is a sobering reminder. Hopefully the Tinubu administration can chart a new course focused on pragmatic, results-oriented governance.
Well said. Effective leadership requires a willingness to challenge preconceptions and develop innovative solutions. It will be interesting to see if the Tinubu government is able to break out of this propaganda trap and deliver meaningful progress for Nigeria.
It’s concerning to hear about the Tinubu administration’s alleged reliance on propaganda rather than substantive governance. Kissinger’s insight on leaders struggling to generate new ideas when facing unexpected challenges rings true. Hopefully the government can find a way to address Nigeria’s pressing issues more effectively.
You raise a good point. Effective leadership requires adapting to evolving circumstances, not just falling back on old strategies. Let’s hope the administration can learn from this and shift towards more meaningful, evidence-based policymaking.
The article raises some valid concerns about the Tinubu administration’s apparent over-reliance on propaganda tactics rather than substantive policymaking. As the piece notes, this is a pattern that has plagued governments throughout history. Hopefully the Nigerian leadership can learn from past mistakes and shift towards a more evidence-based, adaptable approach to governance.
I agree, the government needs to move beyond rhetoric and focus on tangible solutions to Nigeria’s pressing challenges. Developing new ideas and being willing to change course will be crucial if they hope to make meaningful progress.
The article raises valid concerns about the Tinubu administration’s apparent overreliance on propaganda tactics rather than substantive governance. As the piece notes, this is a common pitfall for governments that can lead to a cascade of missteps. Hopefully the Nigerian leadership can learn from past failures and shift towards a more evidence-based, adaptable approach to policymaking.
I agree, the government needs to move beyond rhetoric and focus on developing practical, results-oriented solutions. Embracing new thinking and a willingness to change course when necessary will be crucial if they hope to make meaningful progress on Nigeria’s pressing issues.
The article highlights an age-old challenge in governance – the tendency for leaders to become overly reliant on propaganda and outdated ideas rather than adapting to new realities. It’s a pattern we’ve seen play out many times throughout history. Hopefully the Tinubu administration can break this cycle and focus on genuine, substantive solutions.
I agree, the government needs to move beyond rhetoric and empty propaganda if it hopes to effectively tackle Nigeria’s pressing issues. Embracing new thinking and evidence-based policymaking will be crucial.
This is a troubling trend, but unfortunately not an uncommon one in government. The tendency for leaders to rely on outdated approaches and intellectual capital formed prior to taking office, rather than adapting to new realities, is a well-documented phenomenon. Hopefully the Tinubu administration can break this cycle and demonstrate a genuine commitment to evidence-based, responsive policymaking.
Well said. Embracing new ideas and a willingness to change course when necessary is essential for effective governance, especially in the face of complex, evolving challenges. Let’s hope the Nigerian government can rise to the occasion.