Senator Babafemi Ojudu has urged President Bola Tinubu to review policies contributing to economic hardship, deliver measurable relief to Nigerians and safeguard the independence of democratic institutions ahead of the forthcoming elections.
In an open letter to the President marking Nigeria’s independence anniversary, Ojudu said hunger, rising living costs and insecurity had become the defining experiences of many citizens, warning that improvements in economic indicators must translate into better conditions for ordinary households.
“Asiwaju, hardship has become the defining experience of too many Nigerians,” he wrote.
“Even where some indicators are improving, the question you must ask is whether that progress can be felt in an ordinary household.”
Ojudu said Nigerians were struggling to afford food, medicine, rent, school fees and transport, with many unable to make ends meet despite cutting back on their expenses.
He urged Tinubu to examine the combined burden of fuel prices, transport costs and rising food prices, and direct his administration to identify interventions capable of providing immediate relief.
“Nigerians need both a credible path out of hardship and evidence that their government understands what they are enduring now,” he said.
The senator explained that sermons by two clergymen on hunger and poverty had persuaded him to write publicly. One, he said, was delivered by Catholic Bishop Felix Femi Ajakaiye during the funeral of their mutual friend, Senator Tony Adeniyi.
According to Ojudu, the concerns raised by the clerics reflected the hardship being discussed in homes, markets and communities across the country.
He also called for urgent action on insecurity, saying fear had disrupted farming, travel and business activities, further worsening economic distress.
“No farmer should have to choose between tending a field and staying alive,” he wrote.
Ojudu urged the President to promote national cohesion through his statements, decisions and appointments, ensuring that Nigerians from every community felt equally entitled to government protection and opportunities.
He further advised Tinubu to broaden his consultations beyond his immediate political circle and seek candid assessments from Nigerians, including those who disagreed with him.
“A leader gains little from advisers who shield him from unwelcome news. He gains much from those willing to tell him the truth while there is still time to act on it,” he said.
Ojudu recommended an independent assessment of living conditions and public perceptions of the government’s response, recalling that Tinubu had previously used opinion research to adjust his approach when confronted with uncomfortable findings.
On the forthcoming elections, he urged the President to ensure that security agencies acted impartially and protected voters, candidates and election officials without intimidation or favouritism.
He also called for the Independent National Electoral Commission to receive the independence, resources and operational space needed to conduct elections and declare results according to the law and votes cast.
“You are a candidate in that election, but you are also the President entrusted with protecting the process for everyone,” Ojudu wrote.
He equally urged Tinubu to uphold judicial independence so that courts could determine cases on the facts and the law, free from pressure or interference.
Reflecting on their longstanding relationship, Ojudu recalled their involvement in the struggle against military rule, Tinubu’s Lagos governorship campaign and the transition following his victory.
He said he had declined an opportunity to seek a position in Tinubu’s administration because he wanted to remain in journalism and offer honest advice from outside government.
Ojudu acknowledged that their relationship had become strained and that they had not met since 2022. He also reiterated that he neither worked for Tinubu’s election nor voted for him in 2023.
Nevertheless, he said the letter was motivated by concern for Nigeria and affection for an old friend.
“I can only tell you that I write with affection for an old friend and with concern for our country,” he stated.
Ojudu said Tinubu’s strongest argument for another term would be his performance in office, particularly his willingness to address citizens’ concerns and ease their burdens.
He urged the President to respect the electorate’s verdict, whether Nigerians renewed his mandate or chose another candidate.
“There is honour in serving one’s country and in respecting its democratic choice. Either outcome must rest on the freely expressed will of Nigerians,” he wrote.
He concluded by appealing to Tinubu to act decisively while he retained the authority to bring relief.
“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.
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