2027 Warning To Tinubu: Ojudu Says Nigerians Will Judge Your Presidency By Their Empty Pockets

By Passman Akpos

Former Senator and ex-presidential aide, Babafemi Ojudu, has written a strongly worded open letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging him to confront the hardship confronting millions of Nigerians, review policies contributing to the rising cost of living and ensure that the 2027 general election is free, fair and credible.

Ojudu, who described Tinubu as an old friend and “brother,” said his decision to publicly address the President was driven by concern for the country and the deteriorating living conditions of many citizens.

The letter, released to mark Nigeria’s Independence anniversary, comes as the country approaches another politically consequential period, with Tinubu expected to seek a second term in office in 2027. Ojudu said the coming months would test both Tinubu’s leadership and Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

‘Hardship Has Become The Defining Experience’

Ojudu said the reality confronting many Nigerians could no longer be reduced to economic statistics or promises of future improvement.

According to him, Nigerians are struggling to afford food, medicine, rent, school fees and transportation, while incomes are losing purchasing power.

“Hardship has become the defining experience of too many Nigerians,” Ojudu wrote, urging Tinubu to examine whether whatever progress is being recorded in economic indicators is actually being felt inside ordinary Nigerian homes.

He called on the President to review the combined effect of fuel prices, transportation costs and rising food prices, while directing his administration to identify interventions capable of delivering prompt and measurable relief to citizens.

Ojudu said Nigerians need both a credible long-term path out of hardship and evidence that the government understands the pain they are experiencing now.

He said a parent unable to pay school fees or purchase medicine cannot survive on projections of future economic relief.

Clergymen’s Sermons Triggered His Appeal

The former senator said two recent sermons on hunger and poverty eventually persuaded him to make the letter public.

One of the clerics, he said, was Catholic Bishop Felix Femi Ajakaiye, who spoke during the funeral of their mutual friend, Senator Tony Adeniyi.

Ojudu said the concerns raised by the clerics reflected what he hears from homes, markets and ordinary conversations across the country.

He argued that government must measure progress not only through economic indicators but also through whether families can put food on the table, keep children in school, access healthcare and earn a reasonable living.

‘No Farmer Should Choose Between Farming And Staying Alive’

Beyond economic hardship, Ojudu raised concerns over insecurity, warning that economic recovery would remain difficult where Nigerians are afraid to travel, farm or conduct their businesses.

“No farmer should have to choose between tending a field and staying alive,” he said.

He also urged Tinubu to pay attention to tensions between communities, arguing that presidential appointments, decisions and public statements should reassure Nigerians that every citizen is entitled to equal protection and opportunity.

‘Listen To Those Who Disagree With You’

Ojudu further appealed to Tinubu to widen the circle of people around him and listen to Nigerians outside his immediate political environment.

He urged the President to invite people who disagree with his administration to speak honestly about what is working, what is failing and what needs to change.

According to him, leaders gain little from advisers who protect them from unpleasant information, but gain considerably from people who are willing to tell them uncomfortable truths while there is still time to act.

He also called for an independent assessment of how Nigerians are living and what they think about the government’s response to their challenges.

Ojudu recalled that Tinubu had previously relied on opinion research and, when confronted with uncomfortable findings, adjusted his approach.

2027: ‘Protect The Process, Not Just Your Candidacy’

A major part of the letter focused on the 2027 election.

Ojudu urged Tinubu to ensure that government institutions perform their responsibilities impartially as the election approaches.

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

He also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to have the independence, resources and operational space required to conduct elections and declare results according to the law and votes cast.

Ojudu reminded Tinubu that he would occupy two positions during the election period — President of Nigeria and a candidate seeking another mandate.

“You are a candidate in that election, but you are also the President entrusted with protecting the process for everyone,” he wrote.

He equally urged the President to respect the independence of the judiciary and allow courts to determine electoral and other disputes according to facts and law, without pressure or interference.

Ojudu Recalls Their Long Political Journey

The former senator devoted considerable space to his personal history with Tinubu, recalling their relationship dating back to the struggle against military rule and Tinubu’s campaign to become governor of Lagos State.

He recalled an incident shortly before Tinubu’s election as governor when he accompanied him to the home of a senior security official because of concerns that the election could be rigged.

Ojudu also recounted an accident on the Third Mainland Bridge after Tinubu’s driver, the late Mustapha, reportedly fell asleep at the wheel around 1:30 a.m.

According to Ojudu, after the crash, Tinubu asked him to drive them to Alausa despite the fact that he had never driven an automatic vehicle.

He said the incident was symbolic of the length of their relationship.

Following Tinubu’s victory, Ojudu said he helped with transition committees and the inauguration programme but declined an opportunity to seek a government appointment, choosing instead to return to journalism.

He said he wanted to remain outside government so he could speak honestly to Tinubu without seeking personal favours.

‘We Have Not Seen Each Other Since 2022’

Ojudu acknowledged that his relationship with Tinubu had become strained and that the two men had not seen each other since 2022.

He also openly stated that he did not work for Tinubu’s 2023 presidential campaign and did not vote for him.

Nevertheless, Ojudu said those circumstances should not prevent him from speaking to an old friend about the condition of the country.

He said he expected some people to question his motives but maintained that his motivation was concern for Nigeria.

‘Nigerians Have The Right To Judge Your Stewardship’

Ojudu told Tinubu that Nigerians would ultimately assess his administration based on their lived experiences.

He said the President has every right to seek another mandate, just as Nigerians have the right to weigh that request against what they have experienced under his administration.

According to him, Tinubu’s actions in the months ahead would be more consequential than campaign rhetoric.

He urged the President to listen to Nigerians, change policies that are causing avoidable pain and use the remaining time before the election to provide relief.

‘Accept Their Verdict With Grace’

Ojudu also addressed the possibility of Tinubu losing the 2027 election.

He said that if Nigerians renew Tinubu’s mandate through a free, fair and credible election, it would represent their confidence in his leadership.

But if Nigerians choose another political direction, Ojudu urged the President to accept their decision with grace.

“There is honour in serving one’s country and in respecting its democratic choice,” he wrote, stressing that either outcome must be based on the freely expressed will of Nigerians.

‘I Want You To Finish Well’

In an emotional conclusion, Ojudu recalled the sacrifices and risks Tinubu took during Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggle.

He specifically reminded the President of the period when Tinubu and other political figures endured detention during the military era.

Ojudu said he wanted Tinubu to finish his public service journey well and wanted Nigeria to emerge from its present difficulties stronger, more secure, more united and more democratic.

His final appeal was direct: listen to Nigerians, reconsider policies that are causing pain and act while the power to provide relief remains in the hands of the government.

“Listen closely to the people, reconsider what is causing them pain, and act while you still have the power to bring them relief,” Ojudu said.

The letter places economic hardship, insecurity, political inclusion and electoral credibility at the centre of the national conversation as Nigeria moves toward the 2027 election cycle.