From Kingmaker to Slum Maker: How Tinubu’s Corruption Fuels Nigeria’s Descent into Unrest

As of June 10, 2025, Nigeria stands at a crossroads, its citizens grappling with a deepening cost-of-living crisis that has sparked civilian unrest, much of it brewing on social media platforms like X. At the heart of this turmoil is President Bola Tinubu, a man once celebrated as a political “kingmaker” for his instrumental role in shaping Nigeria’s leadership landscape, now facing the ignominious label of “slum maker” from a disillusioned populace. This shift in perception underscores a troubling narrative of corruption and economic mismanagement that has impoverished millions, turning hope into hardship and fueling a digital revolt.

The Rise of the Kingmaker

Tinubu’s political ascent began decades ago when he earned the moniker “kingmaker” for his strategic maneuvering within the All Progressives Congress (APC). As a former governor of Lagos State and a key figure in the 2015 and 2023 elections, he was credited with orchestrating the rise of President Muhammadu Buhari and later securing his own presidency in May 2023. His influence was built on a reputation for political savvy and economic acumen, particularly in transforming Lagos into a commercial hub. However, this legacy is now overshadowed by allegations of corruption that have eroded public trust.

The Slum Maker Emerges

The transition from kingmaker to slum maker crystallized with Tinubu’s economic policies, notably the abrupt removal of the fuel subsidy on his first day in office. This decision, intended to curb government spending, triggered a surge in fuel prices, with costs soaring from approximately ₦185 to over ₦600 per liter by mid-2023. The World Bank reported that Nigeria’s poverty rate rose from 40.1% in 2019 to 42.9% in 2022, a trend exacerbated by these reforms. A 2023 Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research study linked urban slum growth—now housing over 60% of Lagos residents—to policy failures, including inadequate infrastructure and rising living costs, directly attributable to Tinubu’s administration.

Corruption allegations further compound this crisis. Investigations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have pointed to mismanagement of public funds, with billions of naira allegedly siphoned off through inflated contracts and ghost projects during Tinubu’s Lagos tenure and presidency. A 2024 Human Rights Watch report highlighted that savings from the subsidy removal—estimated at $10 billion annually—have not been transparently reinvested, fueling suspicions of embezzlement. This has left millions unable to afford basic necessities, with UNICEF noting that 10.5 million children remain out of school, many in slums where access to education and healthcare has deteriorated.

Social Media as a Catalyst for Unrest

The discontent has found a powerful outlet on social media, where hashtags like #EndBadGovernance have gained traction since 2024 protests inspired by Kenya’s tax revolt. On X, users like @AkinmolayanV have sarcastically dubbed Tinubu the “slum maker” in response to a recent meeting with chess champion Tunde Onakoya, who presented a gold-plated chess board to discuss a STEM institute for slum children. This juxtaposition—celebrating education while slums expand—has ignited online outrage. Posts from users like @Olamilekan_bb and @nochie_a mock the irony, with comments suggesting that accepting Tinubu’s invitation legitimizes a regime accused of neglecting the poor.

The unrest began brewing digitally, with viral threads documenting price hikes, police brutality during protests, and leaked government documents hinting at corruption. A BBC report from August 2024 noted that demonstrations in Kano drew thousands, met with live bullets and tear gas, yet the movement persisted online, organizing “days of rage” that have left several dead. Tinubu’s refusal to reverse policies like currency devaluation, which saw the naira plummet from ₦460 to over ₦1,500 per dollar, has only intensified the digital clamor.

The Human Cost and Path Forward

The human toll is stark. Families in Lagos and Abuja struggle with inflation hitting 34% in mid-2024, forcing children like those Onakoya champions into labor rather than classrooms. The 2024 Human Rights Watch analysis calls for a policy turnaround, urging transparent use of subsidy savings to mitigate inflationary impacts and protect economic rights. Yet, Tinubu’s administration insists progress is underway, with inflation easing to 24% by May 2025—a claim met with skepticism given persistent hardships.

The label “slum maker” reflects not just economic failure but a betrayal of the “renewed hope” Tinubu promised. As social media continues to amplify civilian voices, the pressure mounts for accountability. Whether this digital unrest translates into sustained change or further repression remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the kingmaker’s crown has tarnished, replaced by the weight of a nation’s slums.