Veteran Rapper Eedris Abdulkareem Launches Scathing Attack on President Tinubu
Veteran Nigerian rapper and activist Eedris Abdulkareem has unleashed a blistering critique of President Bola Tinubu, describing him as "Nigeria's worst ever president" and "the biggest fraud" during a recent public appearance in Edo State. The outspoken artist, famous for his 2004 hit 'Jaga Jaga' that criticized government failures, directed his anger at Tinubu's handling of recent violent attacks in Plateau State.
Airport Visit Sparks Public Outrage
The controversy centers on President Tinubu's response to deadly attacks in Jos that occurred on March 29, 2026, where gunmen killed approximately 28 people in one community. In a separate incident in Kimakpa village within Bassa Local Government, more than 50 people lost their lives to assailants. While Tinubu did visit Plateau State shortly after these tragedies, he addressed victims exclusively at the airport rather than traveling to the affected communities directly.
Abdulkareem expressed particular outrage at this approach, telling the Edo State crowd: "Commander-in-Chief, wey get all the security go Jos no fit enter town to go console those wey die from terrorist wey him and him government arrange us. Tinubu na biggest fraud." The artist further cursed supporters of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), stating: "Anyone supporting APC, may Nigeria happen to you."
Presidency's Explanation Fails to Quell Criticism
The Presidency has offered explanations for the airport-only visit, citing several factors:
- The visit was arranged overnight following urgent security briefings
- A high-level bilateral meeting with Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno ran longer than anticipated
- President Tinubu claimed he had only ten minutes before the airport's lack of electricity would make departure impossible
Despite these justifications, criticism has continued to mount from various quarters. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has publicly faulted the visit, noting that the President offered neither adequate comfort to grieving families in hospitals nor clear policy direction for preventing future attacks.
Historical Context of Political Criticism
Eedris Abdulkareem represents a continuation of Nigerian artists using their platforms for political commentary. His 2004 track 'Jaga Jaga' directly targeted government failures during President Olusegun Obasanjo's administration, and his recent comments highlight what he sees as persistent leadership deficiencies two decades later. The crowd at the Edo State event responded to his statements with enthusiastic screams of "amen," indicating significant public resonance with his criticisms.
The artist's uncompromising stance reflects broader public frustration with security challenges and perceived governmental insensitivity. For Abdulkareem and many critics, the image of a sitting president addressing attack victims on an airport tarmac before departing symbolizes what they view as inadequate leadership response to national crises.
