Survey Shows Sharp Decline in Public Trust in Tinubu Government and Institutions
A recent national survey has revealed an extensive lack of confidence among Nigerians in the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other key public institutions, highlighting growing public discontent with governance and national leadership.
The 2025 Nigeria Social Cohesion Survey conducted by the independent Africa Polling Institute (API) found that approximately 83 percent of Nigerians expressed little to no trust in the Tinubu administration, reflecting citizens’ frustration with economic challenges, security concerns, and perceived unmet expectations.
The survey, which involved 5,465 face-to-face interviews across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones and was conducted in major languages including English, Pidgin, Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba, also reported similar levels of distrust in other arms of government. About 82 percent of respondents said they have little or no confidence in the National Assembly, while roughly 79 percent expressed low trust in the judiciary.
Analysts attribute the trust deficit to persistent economic hardship, including high cost of living, inflation, and disappointment over campaign promises. The perception that leadership has fallen short on key issues, such as job creation and security, was frequently cited by respondents as contributing to the erosion of public confidence.
In addition to the executive and legislative branches, the survey indicated that public trust in other institutions such as the police and local governments remains weak, underscoring widespread scepticism towards public governance at multiple levels.
Observers say the findings pose a significant challenge for the Tinubu administration as it seeks to deepen civic engagement and improve governance outcomes ahead of the 2027 general elections. Some civil society groups have called for renewed efforts to strengthen institutions, enhance transparency, and address socioeconomic grievances in order to rebuild public confidence.
Government officials have acknowledged the concerns behind declining trust but argue that efforts, including key reforms, are aimed at long-term stability and prosperity. Still, the survey results suggest that a majority of Nigerians remain unconvinced that current policies are delivering tangible improvements to day-to-day life.