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Oritsejafor says he warned Nigerians ahead of the 2015 election that the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari would struggle, but his concerns were ignored. The former Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) president made the remark this week while reflecting on the country’s long-running economic hardship.
Speaking in a televised interview, the cleric said the difficulties Nigerians face today did not begin overnight. He traced the strain back several years and argued that early signals were missed by those who could have acted.
What Oritsejafor said
The pastor recalled raising the alarm in 2014, as the Buhari camp prepared to take power, that the incoming government would falter. According to him, he expressed those fears publicly at the time but felt they were brushed aside in the political mood of the moment.
He also explained why he had stepped back from public political commentary for years. When repeated warnings go unheeded, he said, the wisest choice is to withdraw rather than keep speaking to an audience that is not listening.
Claims about the current economy
The former CAN leader did not limit his comments to the past. He argued that the situation has deteriorated further under President Bola Tinubu, pointing to rising living costs and the pressure households now face. He described conditions as worse than in previous years.
Nigeria has battled high inflation, a weaker naira and elevated fuel and food prices through 2025 and into 2026. The federal government has defended its reforms, including the removal of the petrol subsidy and the floating of the currency, as painful but necessary steps to stabilise public finances.
Officials have also pointed to recent indicators they say show progress, including a rebound in external reserves and steadier oil revenue. For many households, however, the day-to-day cost of transport, food and rent remains the clearest measure of whether the economy is improving.
Why the comments matter
As a former head of CAN, Oritsejafor remains an influential voice among Christian communities and in national debate. When figures of his standing weigh in on the economy and governance, their words tend to shape conversation across faith and political lines.
His intervention also lands as parties begin early positioning ahead of the 2027 general election. Comments comparing administrations are likely to feed into the broader argument over who is best placed to ease the cost-of-living crisis.
A wider debate
The cleric’s remarks add to a growing chorus of public figures speaking on Nigeria’s economy. Supporters of the government insist that recent gains, including stronger external reserves and steadier revenue, show the reforms are beginning to work. Critics counter that ordinary citizens have yet to feel relief.
Viorah TV is reporting these statements as expressed by Oritsejafor and takes no position on the contested political claims. Readers are encouraged to weigh the views alongside official data and other independent voices in the national conversation.
The bigger picture
Clergy in Nigeria have often spoken on national affairs, blending moral commentary with political observation. Such interventions can carry weight in a country where faith leaders hold large followings and where the line between the pulpit and public policy is frequently debated.
Whether or not Nigerians agree with his assessment, the cleric’s decision to speak again after years of silence is itself notable. It suggests that some long-time observers feel the moment is serious enough to return to the public square and be heard.
