Ojudu Urges Tinubu to Ease Hardship, Protect 2027 Polls in Open Letter
Former presidential aide and ex-senator Babafemi Ojudu has called on President Bola Tinubu to respond more directly to the economic difficulties facing Nigerians, warning that the success of the administration should ultimately be measured by whether ordinary citizens feel an improvement in their daily lives.
Ojudu made the appeal in an open letter to Tinubu, whom he described as a longtime friend and political associate, as Nigeria approaches another general election in 2027.
Rather than focusing solely on political strategy, Ojudu used his message to urge the President to reconsider policies contributing to the pressure on households while also strengthening the country’s democratic institutions ahead of the next election. (Parrot Nigeria)
Ojudu asks Tinubu to look beyond economic indicators
A central argument in Ojudu’s letter was that improvements in economic statistics would mean little to Nigerians who continue to struggle with basic expenses.
He pointed to the rising cost of food, medicine, accommodation, education and transportation as areas placing significant pressure on households.
According to Ojudu, the administration should assess its policies from the perspective of ordinary families and identify areas where government can provide immediate and measurable relief.
His position was that economic progress should ultimately translate into tangible improvements in people’s living conditions rather than remain limited to official indicators.
Former ally speaks from history with Tinubu
The intervention carries additional political significance because of Ojudu’s longstanding relationship with Tinubu.
In the letter, Ojudu recalled their political association dating back to the struggle against military rule and Tinubu’s campaign for the Lagos governorship.
He also recounted an incident before Tinubu’s election as governor in which the two men were involved in a road accident on the Third Mainland Bridge after Tinubu’s driver reportedly fell asleep at the wheel.
Ojudu said the experience was one of several events that shaped their longstanding relationship.
He also recalled serving around Tinubu’s transition into office in Lagos before returning to journalism, saying he believed his role outside government allowed him to offer criticism without seeking political appointments or personal benefits. (Parrot Nigeria)
Security remains part of economic recovery
Ojudu also urged the President to treat insecurity as an economic issue.
He argued that people who are afraid to travel, farm or conduct their businesses cannot fully benefit from promises of economic growth.
The former senator therefore called for stronger attention to the security situation, particularly in communities where insecurity continues to affect people’s livelihoods.
His argument places security alongside the cost of living as two issues that could significantly shape public perception of the administration before the 2027 election.
Ojudu calls for broader consultation
The former senator further advised Tinubu to widen the range of voices influencing government decisions.
He encouraged the President to listen not only to supporters and government officials but also to Nigerians who disagree with his policies.
Ojudu suggested that an independent assessment of how Nigerians are experiencing the economy could provide the administration with a clearer picture of public sentiment.
He recalled that similar opinion research had previously been used during their political activities and argued that uncomfortable findings could help government make necessary adjustments. (Parrot Nigeria)
2027 election becomes central to Ojudu’s warning
Beyond economic concerns, Ojudu placed considerable emphasis on the credibility of the 2027 election.
He urged Tinubu to ensure that government institutions operate impartially during the electoral process, including the security agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission.
Ojudu noted that Tinubu would be both the incumbent President and a candidate seeking another term, making the conduct of state institutions particularly important.
He called for voters, candidates and election officials to be protected and for INEC to have the independence and resources required to conduct the election according to the law.
He also urged respect for judicial independence so that election-related disputes could be determined on the basis of evidence and the law. (Parrot Nigeria)
Ojudu says voters should decide Tinubu’s fate
The former senator’s message ultimately placed the decision over Tinubu’s political future in the hands of Nigerian voters.
He acknowledged the President’s right to seek another term but argued that Nigerians should be able to assess his record and make their choice through a free and credible election.
This means, according to Ojudu’s argument, that the administration’s actions before the election could be more influential than campaign promises.
How the government responds to economic hardship, insecurity and concerns about democratic institutions could therefore become part of the wider public assessment of Tinubu’s first term.
A call to change course before 2027
Ojudu concluded his intervention by urging Tinubu to use the remaining period before the election to address areas where Nigerians are experiencing difficulties.
His appeal combines personal history with political criticism: while recalling his longstanding relationship with the President, he also argues that loyalty should not prevent honest assessment of government policy.
With 2027 approaching, the message highlights a broader challenge facing the Tinubu administration — convincing Nigerians that economic reforms will eventually produce tangible benefits while maintaining confidence in the institutions responsible for delivering the next election.
For Ojudu, the ultimate test of the administration will not only be the outcome of economic reforms but whether Nigerians believe their government listened to their concerns and respected their right to choose their leaders.
