Former presidential adviser, Senator Babafemi Ojudu, has urged President Bola Tinubu to review his economic policies, tackle insecurity and ensure a free, fair and credible 2027 general election, warning that many Nigerians are struggling with rising living costs.

Ojudu made the appeal in an open letter to Tinubu to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary, expressing concern over the economic hardship, insecurity and social divisions confronting citizens.

In the letter, the former senator acknowledged the difficult economic decisions taken by the Tinubu administration but urged the President to assess their impact on ordinary Nigerians, particularly households struggling to afford food, healthcare, transportation, rent and school fees.

He said that although some economic indicators might suggest progress, the ultimate measure of success should be whether Nigerians could feel tangible improvements in their daily lives.“Progress must mean food on the table, a child in school, treatment for the sick and a reasonable chance to earn a living,” Ojudu stated.

He called on the President to examine the combined effects of rising fuel prices, transportation costs and food inflation, while directing his administration to implement immediate and measurable relief for vulnerable Nigerians.

Ojudu also stressed the need to ensure that government interventions reached their intended beneficiaries, adding that citizens needed both a credible path out of economic hardship and evidence that their government understood their present difficulties.

Ojudu raises concerns over insecurityOn security, the former presidential adviser urged Tinubu to intensify efforts to protect lives and property, particularly in communities where residents fear travelling, farming and conducting their daily businesses.

He maintained that promises of economic prosperity would have little meaning if citizens continued to live in fear.“No farmer should have to choose between tending a field and staying alive,” he said.

Ojudu further called for greater national unity, urging the President to ensure that his words, decisions and political appointments reassured Nigerians from all parts of the country that they enjoyed equal rights, protection and opportunities.

He also advised Tinubu to widen his circle of advisers by engaging Nigerians with diverse views, including those who disagree with his administration.

According to him, the President would benefit from listening to people who could speak honestly about the government’s achievements, shortcomings and areas requiring urgent reforms.

Ojudu urges Tinubu to conduct independent public opinion survey

The former senator, who recalled that Tinubu had valued opinion research during their political association, recommended an independent assessment of Nigerians’ living conditions and perceptions of the administration.

He said such an exercise should go beyond party meetings and official briefings to capture the actual experiences and concerns of citizens across the country.

Ojudu noted that evidence-based assessments could help the President identify areas requiring policy adjustments and respond more effectively to public concerns.

He recalled that during Tinubu’s eight-year tenure as Lagos State governor, he had tried to serve as an independent voice, offering honest advice without seeking political appointments or personal favours.

He explained that his decision to return to journalism after Tinubu’s election as governor was informed by his desire to remain outside government and provide candid feedback.

2027 election: Ojudu calls for credible processOjudu also urged Tinubu to ensure that government institutions operated independently and impartially as preparations for the 2027 general election gathered momentum.

He called on security agencies to protect voters, candidates and election officials without intimidation or political favouritism.

The former senator further stressed the importance of allowing the Independent National Electoral Commission to operate independently, with adequate resources and the freedom to conduct the election and announce results in accordance with the law and votes cast.

He also urged the President to respect the independence of the judiciary, insisting that courts must be allowed to adjudicate disputes based on facts and the law without interference.

According to Ojudu, Tinubu occupies a dual position as both a presidential candidate seeking another mandate and the sitting President responsible for protecting the democratic process for all Nigerians.

He reminded Tinubu of their shared history in the struggle against military rule, urging him to remain committed to the democratic principles they once defended.

Ojudu specifically recalled the difficult experiences they endured during the pro-democracy struggle, including the period when Tinubu and some of his former Senate colleagues spent time at the Alagbon police headquarters in Lagos.

He said the struggle was driven by the belief that Nigerians should have the freedom to choose their leaders, adding that the principle must remain fundamental to the country’s democracy.

Ojudu tells Tinubu to accept Nigerians’ decisionThe former senator said the forthcoming election would provide Nigerians with an opportunity to assess Tinubu’s stewardship and determine whether his administration deserved another term.

He maintained that the President’s most persuasive campaign ahead of the election would be the decisions he made while in office, particularly those addressing citizens’ concerns and easing economic hardship.Ojudu said Tinubu had the right to seek re-election, just as Nigerians had the right to assess his performance based on their experiences.

He added that if the electorate renewed Tinubu’s mandate through a free, fair and credible election, it would represent an expression of confidence in his leadership.

However, he urged the President to accept the outcome with grace if Nigerians decided to elect another leader.

“There is honour in serving one’s country and in respecting its democratic choice,” he stated, stressing that the outcome must reflect the freely expressed will of the people.Ojudu expresses personal concern for TinubuIn the letter, Ojudu acknowledged that his relationship with Tinubu had become strained and that they had not seen each other since 2022.He also recalled that he had openly opposed Tinubu’s presidential ambition in 2023, noting that some people might question his motives for writing the letter.However, he insisted that his intervention was motivated by concern for Nigeria and affection for an old friend.Ojudu recounted their longstanding relationship, which began during the struggle against military rule and continued through Tinubu’s campaign for the Lagos governorship and subsequent political challenges.He also recalled an incident shortly before Tinubu’s election as Lagos governor when the two narrowly escaped a road accident on the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos after their driver reportedly fell asleep at the wheel.According to Ojudu, he later helped manage the transition committees and inauguration programme following Tinubu’s electoral victory.He said their history informed his decision to speak candidly to the President at a time he considered critical for the country.Ojudu concluded by urging Tinubu to listen more closely to Nigerians, reconsider policies causing hardship and take practical steps to improve citizens’ living conditions.He expressed hope that Nigeria would emerge from its current challenges as a stronger, more secure, united and democratic nation.The letter ended with an Independence Day message to the President and a call for him to finish his public service career in a manner that would strengthen Nigeria’s democratic institutions and improve the welfare of its people.