A survey conducted by Eagle Badger Data Analytics (EBDA) indicates that only 30.2% of Nigerians approve of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s performance, while 47.5% disapprove.
The majority of respondents reportedly cited worsening living conditions since Tinubu assumed office.
Similarly, Afrobarometer surveys in 2025 showed widespread dissatisfaction with economic conditions.
Meanwhile, NOI Polls reported a rebound to around 40–46% approval by mid‑2025.
The Eagle Badger Data Analytics survey aligns more closely with Afrobarometer’s findings than NOI Polls’ more optimistic numbers.
Public Mood
- Economic Strain: Inflation, rising food prices, and unemployment remain top concerns.
- Security Challenges: Persistent insecurity continues to erode confidence in government.
- Regional Consistency: Dissatisfaction appears widespread across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones.
Political Implications of EBDA Survey
Analysts suggest that such low approval ratings, if accurate, could intensify pressure on the administration to deliver reforms.
They also highlight that disapproval outweighing approval may shape campaign strategies as Nigeria approaches the 2026 election cycle.
Established polling organizations such as NOI Polls and Afrobarometer have historically tracked Nigerian public opinion.
EBDA’s data, though, has not yet been corroborated by these or other recognized outlets.
Investigative Feature: Tinubu’s Approval Ratings in Context
EBDA Findings
- Approval: 30.2%
- Disapproval: 47.5%
- Reported Living Conditions: Majority insist worsening since Tinubu assumed office.
- Verification: No independent confirmation of EBDA’s survey exists; it has not been cited by major outlets or research networks.
Afrobarometer Data (2025)
- Economic Perceptions: 88% of Nigerians said the economy was “fairly bad” or “very bad.”
- Personal Living Conditions: 74% reported poor living conditions.
- Fuel Subsidy Removal: 52% strongly disapproved, 33% disapproved, only 12% approved.
- Direction of Country: Over 90% said Nigeria was heading in the wrong direction.
- Approval Ratings: By mid‑2025, only 27% strongly approved of Tinubu’s performance, down from 49% in June 2023.
NOI Polls Data (2024–2025)
- Lowest Point: February 2024 approval at just 11%.
- Recovery: Rose to 40% by March 2025, and 46% by August 2025.
- Interpretation: Analysts suggested Nigerians were “adapting” to hardship rather than experiencing relief.
- Criticism: Experts questioned methodology, noting unemployment, inflation, and subsidy removal continued to inflict hardship.
Comparative Analysis of EBDA Survey
| Survey Source | Approval Rating | Disapproval/Negative Sentiment | Key Themes |
|---|---|---|---|
| EBDA (2026) | 30.2% | 47.5% | Worsening living conditions |
| Afrobarometer (Feb–Jun 2025) | 27% strongly approve | 88% say economy bad; 74% poor living conditions | Cost of living crisis, subsidy removal backlash |
| NOI Polls (Mar–Aug 2025) | 40–46% | Majority still dissatisfied | Adaptation to hardship, cautious optimism |
- EBDA vs. Afrobarometer: Both suggest approval in the 20–30% range, consistent with widespread dissatisfaction.
- EBDA vs. NOI Polls: NOI Polls’ higher ratings (40–46%) may reflect methodological differences or government outreach efforts, but critics argue they understate grassroots hardship.
- Political Outlook: With disapproval outweighing approval in most surveys, Tinubu faces mounting pressure ahead of the 2026 election cycle.
Conclusion
The EBDA survey aligns more closely with Afrobarometer’s data showing deep dissatisfaction than with NOI Polls’ more optimistic figures.
Nigerians overwhelmingly cite economic hardship, inflation, and insecurity as drivers of disapproval.
While NOI Polls suggest a modest rebound in approval, the broader evidence points to a presidency struggling to regain public trust.
For reliable insights, EBDA, Afrobarometer and NOI Polls provide the most authoritative data on Nigerian public opinion.
