83% of Nigerians Express Distrust in Tinubu’s Government, NASS, Judiciary – Survey Reveals

A new national survey by the Africa Polling Institute (API) has revealed a pervasive and alarming level of public distrust in key governmental institutions in Nigeria, with 83 percent of citizens expressing little to no confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s federal government. The comprehensive 2025 Nigeria Social Cohesion Survey also highlights similar sentiments towards the National Assembly and the Judiciary.

The report, launched at a national dialogue in Abuja on Thursday, July 3, 2025, and widely reported over the weekend, indicates a sharp decline in public trust and confidence since API began tracking in 2019. According to the findings, 82 percent of Nigerians hold little to no trust in the National Assembly, currently led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas. The Judiciary, under Chief Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, also fared poorly, with 79 percent of respondents expressing similar levels of distrust.

Professor Bell Ihua, Executive Director of API, stated that the survey findings underscore “growing citizens’ distrust and low public confidence in the government and public institutions.” Specifically, 53 percent of respondents reported “no trust at all” in the Tinubu administration, while 30 percent admitted to having “little trust.”

The API attributed this significant erosion of public trust primarily to the prevailing economic hardship, perceived corruption, and unmet campaign promises. The report noted that many Nigerians cited the rising costs of food, transport, and basic services as major daily concerns under the current economic realities, colloquially termed the “Tinubu economy.” Furthermore, 61 percent of citizens believe that the level of corruption has increased significantly in the past year, with 64 percent rating the government’s anti-corruption efforts as “poor.”

The survey, conducted between January and February 2025, involved face-to-face interviews with 5,465 Nigerians across the country, utilizing stratified random sampling to ensure representation across all states and senatorial districts.

Beyond institutional trust, the survey also revealed broader indicators of social fragmentation. The Nigeria Social Cohesion Index (NSCI) was computed at a concerning 46.8 percent, falling below the 50 percent benchmark for a socially cohesive nation, signaling a weak state of unity and shared identity among citizens. A significant 53 percent of Nigerians expressed feeling “disappointed in Nigeria,” compared to only 33 percent who felt truly proud of the country.

Despite the widespread disillusionment, the report noted a willingness among a majority of Nigerians to participate in nation-building efforts. For instance, 76 percent expressed readiness to engage in political processes to improve the country, and 79 percent were willing to cooperate across ethnic lines.

In its recommendations, API called for the urgent establishment of a National Cohesion Commission to guide policies aimed at strengthening unity, fostering inclusive governance, and rebuilding public trust. The think-tank also urged the Federal Government to forge a new social contract with Nigerians that clearly outlines the responsibilities of the state to its citizens, moving beyond the non-justiciable provisions of the 1999 Constitution.