The Interim National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Tanko Yunusa, has expressed grave concerns over the escalating poverty in Nigeria, questioning how citizens will manage to celebrate the upcoming Sallah festival amid severe economic hardship.

Speaking on a Channels Television program, Yunusa delivered a scathing critique of the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led federal government, accusing it of failing to fulfill its campaign promises to improve living conditions for ordinary Nigerians.

"You know, the manifesto of a political party is a social contract in which you sign with the people, because that is what you canvas to the people. They said they have a decent life for every Nigerian. A decent life for every Nigerian at the moment? I cannot quantify that particular decent life at the moment," Yunusa stated.

He further challenged the government's promise of creating three million new jobs annually, pointing out that after two years in office, there should be evidence of six million jobs created. "Probably Nigerians will be able to assess whether we have 6 million jobs being created," he remarked skeptically.

Northern Nigeria Hardest Hit by Poverty

Yunusa highlighted that the northern region of Nigeria is experiencing the most severe impact of the current economic crisis. "I don't know how Nigerians will manage to do Sallah. We are witnessing a high level of poverty rate. Interestingly, the northern part of this country is the worst hit," he emphasized.

His comments come as Muslims across Nigeria prepare for Eid al-Adha (Sallah) celebrations, a significant religious festival that typically involves feasting and gift-giving—activities that have become increasingly difficult for many families due to rising costs of living and economic instability.

The Nigerian government has declared June 6 and 9 as public holidays for the Sallah celebration, but many citizens are more concerned with how they will afford basic necessities for the festival.

This criticism aligns with recent World Bank reports indicating that 75.5 percent of rural Nigerians are living below the poverty line, with projections suggesting poverty rates may continue to rise through 2027 if significant economic interventions are not implemented.