Former presidential Special Adviser on Political Matters, Babafemi Ojudu, has expressed reservations about President Bola Tinubu’s suitability to lead Nigeria at this time, citing philosophical differences and leadership styles
Speaking on the podcast State Affairs, hosted by Edmund Obilo on Monday evening, Ojudu shared insights from his close working relationship with Tinubu and other political figures.
He argued that Tinubu’s leadership philosophy, encapsulated by the phrase “Emi Lokan” (loosely translated as “It’s my turn”), is not aligned with Nigeria’s current needs.
“I’m not Emi Lokan,” Ojudu stated. “Having worked closely with the principal of Emi Lokan and observed leadership at both the National Assembly and the presidency, I feel that this philosophy was not appropriate at this time.”
Ojudu also praised former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, describing him as a visionary leader who, in his view, had the potential to elevate Nigeria.
“This country would have gone places with him if he had the opportunity, but it didn’t happen,” Ojudu said.
“Osinbajo was the best person to govern Nigeria at that time, having seen him up close.”
Highlighting the importance of collaborative governance, Ojudu emphasized that effective leadership requires a unified team of competent individuals sharing a common vision.
“Whoever is going to run this country successfully must not act as an individual. They must work within a group of people who have the same vision,” he explained.
“You can’t just be a president and have a useless Inspector General of Police, a useless head of Customs or Immigration, or a Chief Justice of Nigeria who doesn’t align with your ideals. Everybody must sign on to your vision.”