Critics slam APC government for prioritising elite welfare as inflation and unemployment continue to bite Nigerians

Widespread public outrage erupted on Tuesday after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu commissioned a set of luxury residential duplexes for judges in the Katampe District of Abuja. The project, executed in collaboration with Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike, has drawn criticism from citizens who say government priorities are misplaced while millions face rising inflation and high unemployment.

The housing development, designed as high-end accommodation for judicial officers, was unveiled just days after viral videos and photos surfaced online showing the scale and opulence of the new homes. Many Nigerians took to social media platforms such as X (formerly Twitter) to express frustration, arguing that federal resources should be channelled towards addressing cost-of-living pressures rather than funding exclusive benefits for top officials. The project comes as Nigeria’s annual inflation rate stood at 33.7 percent in May 2026 according to National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), with food prices and rent soaring nationwide.

Government supporters argue that improved welfare packages are necessary to secure judicial independence and integrity. However, opposition voices and many civil society commentators view the timing as insensitive. “See the duplex Tinubu and Wike built for Appeal court judges; meanwhile, they give you rice, indomie and 5k to buy your vote… reason why you should vote out APC and Tinubu Government in 2027,” a user named Nnayi wrote on X. Another commentator questioned: “Doesn’t the judicial arm of government have their own budget allocated? Is it the executive’s responsibility to build houses for judges?” Public affairs analyst Daniel Regha added that such spending exposes “clueless leaders,” especially when “many civil servants can’t even afford rent or feed.” The presidency did not issue an immediate response to mounting criticism, while opposition lawmakers accused APC of neglecting ordinary citizens’ welfare.

Some critics also raised concerns about judicial independence ahead of future elections, suggesting that state-funded benefits could undermine public trust in Nigeria’s courts. Obiasogu David, another social media user, claimed: “Justice in the Presidential election petition may have already been bought… This is the reality of Nigeria’s current judicial system.” While there is no evidence linking the housing project directly to case outcomes, debates around state spending on judiciary welfare have intensified in light of recent high-profile election petitions.

This controversy follows similar debates about political spending—most recently when First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu gifted cars to APC women leaders as part of party mobilisation efforts. With economic hardship biting across all regions and calls growing for increased transparency in government expenditure, many Nigerians see these initiatives as part of a recurring pattern where elite welfare takes precedence over grassroots needs. As online discussions continue, it remains unclear if further official clarification will ease tensions or lead to policy reassessment ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/tinubu-luxury-homes-judges-outrage-economic-hardship-2026061820360667193