Tag: tinubu

As 2027 draws closer, conversations around Nigeria’s political future are heating up. In this incisive interview, lawyer and rights activist Emmanuel Umohinyang, Convener of the Coalition for Good Governance and Justice, makes a bold case for why President Bola Tinubu remains firmly positioned for re-election. Speaking with Associate Editor ADEKUNLE YUSUF, he defends the president’s bold economic reforms, calls out underperforming cabinet members, dismisses the opposition as fractured and directionless, and challenges critics to judge Tinubu by results, not rhetoric. From fuel subsidy removal to local government autonomy, Umohinyang argues that Nigeria is on a path to recovery—and that Tinubu’s steady hand will secure him another term with little resistance. His verdict: performance, not propaganda, will shape Nigeria’s future. Excerpts:

Naturally, there will always be differing perspectives on President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Nigeria is not a banana republic; in any democracy, those dissatisfied will criticize the president, while others will praise him. Political opponents looking to replace him will try to discredit his efforts. But the truth is, you cannot easily dismiss a team that is delivering results, nor can you undermine a leader who has performed admirably over the past 24 months. That said, not all areas have been perfected—there are still sectors that need attention. The poverty level in the country remains troubling, and Mr. President himself cannot be comfortable with it. What’s ironic is that many of the loudest voices complaining today were part of past governments that created these very problems.

Just recently, a former official from Rivers State—someone who has spent his entire career in government—claimed there is hunger in the land. This same individual, who left office only a few months ago, suddenly discovered the cost of diesel is high. One must ask: was he unaware of fuel prices during his time as minister? Or was he benefitting from free supplies from contractors? Now that he is no longer in office, and the privileges have dried up, he’s facing what ordinary Nigerians face daily. President Tinubu is not ignoring the hardship people are experiencing. That’s why he continues to engage with stakeholders and leaders across the country, urging them to assure their people that improvements are on the way.

A major contributor to our current economic discomfort is the president’s decision to eliminate the corruption-ridden fuel subsidy regime and move towards a unified exchange rate. The trial of former CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele is a direct result of the foreign exchange manipulations under his watch—where dollars were recycled and sold on the black market for profit. These necessary reforms came at a cost, initially plunging many Nigerians into hardship. But there’s a turnaround. When subsidy was first removed, fuel prices spiked to as high as N1,800–N1,900 per litre. Today, with Dangote Oil entering the market, prices are beginning to drop due to competition. The NNPC is now responding to market pressure, which is how a real economy should work.

Nigerians will soon begin to appreciate the wisdom behind these bold decisions. No Nigerian leader has shown the level of courage President Tinubu has—certainly not even the revered Muhammadu Buhari. Buhari was more concerned with public sentiment than with long-term solutions. Tinubu, on the other hand, believes that it’s better for a nation to go through pain early and enjoy sustained prosperity afterward. In the months ahead, as more infrastructure projects are completed and as economic stability returns, more Nigerians will recover from the impact of earlier reforms. Roads are being commissioned, and various forms of infrastructure are springing up across the country. Nigerians must remain patient and allow the president time to implement his vision fully. Some of us stood firmly behind Tinubu from the beginning, even when others pushed forward questionable alternatives. We believed in his Lagos legacy—a city that has become a benchmark for urban development—and we trust that he is replicating that success at the national level.

Borrowing and the Supreme Court ruling on local governments

Borrowing, in itself, is not a crime. It only becomes problematic when loans are taken for consumption rather than investment. Eliminating fuel subsidies doesn’t automatically solve all of Nigeria’s complex challenges. Strategic borrowing is still needed to fund critical sectors and prevent stagnation. It’s important to note that governance is not the sole responsibility of the Federal Government. States and local governments also play a crucial role. Unfortunately, many Nigerians overlook the accountability of state governors, even though they now receive up to four times more allocation than during the subsidy era. The poverty people complain about is not exclusively a federal issue. Nigerians should start holding their state governors accountable. What have the 36 governors achieved in the past 24 months with these increased resources? If we evaluate their performance, many would score poorly. Poverty reduction starts at the state and local levels. President Tinubu cannot personally visit every state to address local challenges. Some governors see higher allocations as an opportunity to loot, launching frivolous projects to enrich their inner circle. It’s time Nigerians shift some focus to the states and demand transparency and results from their governors.

The Supreme Court’s ruling on local government autonomy is being implemented. Once a judgment is delivered by the apex court, it becomes law—no appeal is permitted. The Federal Government has started the process of detaching local governments from the joint account system by facilitating direct accounts with the Central Bank of Nigeria. With 774 local government areas, this is ongoing and systematic. Let’s not forget that it was President Tinubu, through the Attorney General of the Federation, who approached the court in the first place. The resistance from governors is understandable—they have long exploited the joint account system to siphon funds. Most governors, regardless of state, prioritize political ambition over the welfare of their people.

Insecurity, opposition and the coalition movement

If there’s any election that looks very easy to win, it’s the 2027 presidential election. There is no real coalition, just a gathering of political figures looking for relevance after losing out on appointments or elections. These are not serious contenders. They’ve accused the president of attempting to create a one-party state, but the real question is: who is to blame if that happens? The president isn’t stopping the opposition from organizing. Rather, it’s the failure of the opposition to offer viable alternatives that’s causing their collapse.

Back in 2003, the entire South-West was lost to the PDP except Lagos. Tinubu stood alone and rebuilt that political base. He didn’t jump ship; instead, he worked hard over two decades to regain ground. Compare that to today’s opposition: disorganized, leaderless, and confused. Even within the PDP, no one can confidently say who their national chairman or secretary is. Peter Obi, if asked privately, probably doesn’t know who heads his own party. That’s how fractured they are. The so-called coalition is merely a group of disgruntled politicians who didn’t make the ministerial list, lost primaries, or failed in other pursuits. They’re not united by ideology or vision but by personal disappointments. That’s why the president will likely win the 2027 election with ease—they’re too busy fighting among themselves to offer serious opposition.

No country in the world is free from security issues. In Nigeria, the situation is complex. As the government tackles kidnapping in one region, another region might be facing banditry or insurrection. Our military is stretched thin, operating in over 33 states, which isn’t ideal but shows their commitment. We must give credit to the armed forces—these men and women risk their lives so we can sleep. While security may not be perfect, it’s wrong to say nothing is being done. The president meets regularly with security chiefs, not just for show, but to evaluate strategies for different regions. Security is not one-size-fits-all. Each state has its unique challenges, and the government is responding accordingly.

The president is also working beyond just kinetic solutions. Improving the people’s welfare is a form of security. Political thugs with access to weapons, often backed by powerful figures, are being targeted too. The weapons needed to fight these threats aren’t bought off the shelf—it takes time and money. A single bomb costs about $200,000. That’s money that could dig hundreds of boreholes. So the government must balance resources. President Tinubu is not resting. Despite being over 70, he stays up late into the night, constantly engaging with stakeholders. Some of us believe the number of visitors he receives should be reduced so he can focus more on governance. Yet, he listens to all advice, evaluates it, and considers its merit before making decisions.

Endorsements don’t equate to votes. Some of those endorsing the president can’t even win elections in their own families. While some are genuine, others are simply looking for relevance. Tinubu doesn’t let such endorsements distract him. He’s focused on performance. Peter Obi received mass endorsements in 2023—even organized a “one million-man march.” Yet, we saw the result. Tinubu knows that performance, not praise, wins elections. In 2027, he’ll present a track record: infrastructure, reforms, policy impacts—concrete achievements, not mere promises. He may essentially run unopposed in 2027. Who’s challenging him? Parties that can’t name their own executives? A divided coalition with conflicting interests? If we’re honest, looking at where Nigeria was on May 29, 2023—subsidy removed, inflation rising—and where we are now, we can already see gradual improvement. The results may not yet be fully visible, but policy indicators suggest recovery.

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While some ministers are performing excellently—like the Minister of Works and the FCT Minister—others are underwhelming. The Power Ministry needs urgent attention. The current minister does not seem up to the task, and the president is aware. Unlike the Buhari era, Tinubu won’t allow non-performers to remain for four or eight years. He monitors his cabinet closely and receives real-time reports. Take the Housing Ministry, for instance—completely absent in policy and visibility. Since inauguration, the only time the Minister made news was during a handover ceremony with the EFCC. Such appointees must be shown the door. The Aviation Minister, Festus Keyamo, speaks often but doesn’t follow through. Airline delays, passenger mistreatment, and fare issues persist. You don’t fix that with press statements—you need decisive action. In contrast, Tunji Ojo at the Interior Ministry is working day and night, delivering tangible results. Ministers like that must be encouraged. But those who have faded into the background—like the Minister of State for Petroleum—should be replaced. The Adiza Committee is profiling them, and we expect a cabinet shake-up soon. A non-performing minister is a liability: collecting salary, enjoying privileges, but offering nothing in return. The president must continue to evaluate performance and prioritize the people’s needs.

Looking ahead to 2027

Nigerians must pray for and support the president. Nation-building is not the president’s job alone—it’s a collective effort. Every citizen, from the family unit upward, must play a role. If the country fails, we all lose—not just the president. The opposition, frankly, is doing the president a favour by fighting among themselves. Let them continue. Tinubu was once in the opposition himself. He knows the value of structure and long-term planning. Let them build theirs too, not just sit and complain. Their so-called coalition is a joke. They can’t agree on anything, and they leak strategy meetings to the ruling party. How can such a group challenge a disciplined, strategic leader like Tinubu? As 2027 approaches, the president must continue focusing on key sectors—especially electricity and housing. He must ensure his cabinet reflects his vision. Nigerians don’t want excuses—they want results. And if the current momentum continues, Tinubu’s performance may very well win him the next election, with or without opposition.