Angry youths in Zuru, Kebbi State, have reportedly set APC campaign brooms ablaze at a roundabout in a dramatic protest against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), turning one of the party’s familiar campaign symbols into an expression of public dissatisfaction.
The youths reportedly gathered the APC-branded brooms and set them on fire, sending a strong political message of rejection against the party amid growing frustration over the country’s economic and security challenges.
The incident comes against the backdrop of mounting criticism of the APC-led Federal Government over worsening economic hardship, rising living costs, insecurity, unemployment and the declining purchasing power of ordinary Nigerians.
Since President Bola Tinubu assumed office in May 2023, the removal of petrol subsidy and the unification of the foreign exchange market have triggered significant economic adjustments. Although the government has defended these policies as necessary reforms, millions of Nigerians continue to grapple with the consequences, including expensive transportation, food inflation and increased household expenses.
The security situation also remains a major concern. Persistent banditry, kidnappings, killings and attacks on rural communities have continued to undermine livelihoods, particularly across northern Nigeria. Farmers have been forced away from their farmlands in several conflict-affected communities, further worsening food production and insecurity. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reported that insecurity disrupted agricultural activities in several states during 2026.
For many young Nigerians, the situation is particularly frustrating. Unemployment, limited economic opportunities, rising business operating costs and the inability of many households to meet basic needs have intensified public dissatisfaction with the government.
The International Monetary Fund’s June 2026 assessment estimated that poverty had reached 63 per cent under Nigeria’s national poverty measure, while approximately 27 million people experienced food insecurity in the autumn of 2025. International Monetary Fund.
Although the Tinubu administration maintains that its economic reforms are producing improvements in macroeconomic indicators, critics argue that the benefits have yet to translate into meaningful relief for ordinary Nigerians.
Against this background, the burning of APC campaign brooms in Zuru is emerging as a striking political expression of dissatisfaction with the ruling party. The incident could also serve as a warning that the APC may face considerable public anger as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.
For a party that campaigned on promises of renewed hope, economic prosperity and improved security, the growing frustration among citizens presents a serious political challenge.
The message from the streets is increasingly clear: Nigerians want accountable leadership, affordable living conditions, security, jobs and a government that delivers on its promises.
