Buhari Outperformed Tinubu in Poverty Reduction, Says Sumner Sambo

Director of News and Politics Editor, Sumner Sambo, has asserted that former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration made more strides in tackling poverty than the current government of President Bola Tinubu.

Speaking on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Monday, Sambo praised former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, for focusing on governance issues rather than political rhetoric, describing such debates as vital for national progress. He argued that Buhari’s government, between 2015 and 2023, implemented more poverty reduction initiatives compared to Tinubu’s current administration.

According to Sambo, while El-Rufai may not have significantly improved poverty levels in Kaduna, his influence in Buhari’s 2015 victory and the subsequent policies rolled out under that administration helped to address poverty more effectively.

He further noted that since the removal of Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Beta Edu—whom he credited with doing well under Tinubu—the ministry has lacked strong leadership. He urged the Tinubu government to take the criticism in good faith and give greater priority to poverty alleviation programmes.