President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is facing a growing accusation: treating Nigeria’s collective patrimony like “next-of-kin” property.
The expression gained traction after viral reports of billions allegedly channeled into early 2027 campaign activities, alongside the distribution of brand new buses and SUVs to youth and women leaders. Seyi Tinubu’s ‘City Boys’ movement has also been linked to the donation of buses to state coordinators across the country.
For many Nigerians battling inflation, high fuel costs, and failing public services, the timing feels tone-deaf. “Our roads, hospitals and schools are collapsing,” one commenter wrote, “but campaign logistics are flowing.” The perception is straightforward: public resources meant for all are being managed like family inheritance.
Defenders of this government of squandermania say political mobilization and youth empowerment are standard ahead of elections, and that party activities are separate from governance. But in a democracy, perception carries weight. When citizens feel excluded from the benefits of power, every bus, rally, and donation is read as proof of elite capture.
Until governance delivers visible relief, the “next-of-kin syndrome” label will stick. And the question will remain: who truly owns Nigeria’s commonwealth as it currently stands? Tinubu and his family? Tinubu and his cronies?
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