Nigerian Twitter Users Challenge Tinubu Presidency, Assert ‘T-Pain’ Label Will Persist as Long as Misgovernance Continues

Nigerians on X (formerly Twitter) have pledged to continue referring to President Bola Tinubu as “T-Pain” if his government fails to alleviate the increasing hardship in the country. The nickname, which has gained popularity on social media, reflects widespread dissatisfaction with President Tinubu’s leadership and the current state of governance.

The “T-Pain” moniker originated from a satirical remix of the 2007 hit song “Buy U A Drank” by American artist T-Pain. Nigerian satirist Bello Galadanci, known by his stage name Dan Bello, created a version titled “Nigerians, I Go Make You Poor.” This remix criticizes the economic struggles Nigerians are facing, particularly in the wake of policies such as the removal of fuel subsidies and the floating of the exchange rate under Tinubu’s administration. In the song, Bello sarcastically sings, “I go make you poor, all your fuel, I go make am mine. I’m in plane, you’re in pain, Wetin you go do, na to just complain.”

On Saturday, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also joined the growing criticism, referring to Tinubu as “T-Pain” and accusing him of being indifferent to the increasing hardship in Nigeria. According to Atiku, Tinubu’s policies are further eroding the material well-being of citizens.

In response, the Presidency issued a warning to Nigerians, urging them to stop using the nickname “T-Pain,” stating that it tarnishes Tinubu’s reputation. Despite this, many Nigerians on social media have refused to back down. They argue that as long as the government continues to cause pain through its policies, they will keep using the label.

One user, Izigab, wrote, “As long as the people continue to feel the pain of misgovernance, the name will continue.” Another user, Eze Arinze, added, “The worst way to reject a nickname is by telling people to stop calling you that name. That’s when you trigger more momentum.”

Other users echoed similar sentiments. Davidpine commented, “This is one thing you can’t stop. You get the sort of name you deserve, good or bad. Rather than trying to solve Nigeria’s problems, you’re worried about trivial things like this.” Another user, Dagreatdey4you, declared, “Now, the name is permanent because you don’t tell people not to call you by a nickname… T-Pain for life.”

Several others expressed concern over the government’s attitude towards freedom of expression. Adanniat wrote, “Let them build prisons large enough to hold all Nigerians. Tinubu’s regime’s constant threat to free speech is totally unacceptable.” Valencia questioned the state of democracy under Tinubu’s leadership, writing, “Are you sure this democracy will survive this tenure? Soon they’ll be going house to house arresting people for exercising their freedom of speech.”

Despite government pushback, it seems Nigerians are determined to keep expressing their discontent with Tinubu’s administration in their own way.