Concerned about President Bola Tinubu’s chances in the 2027 election, former Catholic Archbishop of Abuja and cardinal John Onaiyekan has suggested that if the president sticks to his current policies, his chances of winning reelection could be seriously damaged.
The statements were reportedly made by Onaiyekan on Wednesday in an interview with reporters in Abuja after he attended the public lecture held by the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN) during Communication Week.
Concerning the president’s political prospects, the cardinal drew attention to what he described as a widening gulf between the Nigerian government and its people.
In order to ensure that policies are in line with the realities of the people, he encouraged the president to recognize the hardships faced by average Nigerians.
“I would advise Mr. President to find ways and means to learn about the real struggles Nigeria is facing,” Onaiyekan stated.
“Not those who are constantly giving him high praise from those around him.” They need to know. Now, all leaders have to do it.
“I’m not telling him to move to Mpape for two days, even if that could be a good idea. He should, however, be able to learn how the people in Mpape are managing to survive. He should also understand how families are making ends meet on a daily wage of N30,000.
Because he is there to serve the people, he ought to do more to improve Nigerians’ quality of life.
“I do not believe that we are being unjust to the government if we state that our standard of living has significantly declined over the past two years. It may be claimed that the government is not to blame.
They may claim that they have given it their all. The purpose of the government, however, is to prevent that from occurring. To ensure that Nigerians’ standard of living is maintained and, if feasible, enhanced, the government is in place.
It’s a terrific moment, in my opinion. Halfway through two years, he should at least attempt to achieve it.
In that sense, they will never forget him if he shifts his focus and adopts policies that truly help Nigeria’s impoverished citizens.
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If we have a free and fair election, he will lose if he keeps acting in this manner for the remainder of his tenure. In the event that we are not feeling well, how can the nation bring him back?
If they have already made up their minds and are not waiting for us to vote, then of course, if we win, then we applaud the country and we will go on. descending, descending.
The president should effectively lead the nation and make it livable for the average Nigerian, he remarked.
We still have 250 million people in this country,” Onaiyekan stated. We are doing our best, and we will succeed. Therefore, it is my hope that those close to Mr. President will advise him on that.
Elections were held more than two years ago. Regardless of whether he won the election or not, he is no longer concerned. He won, according to the Supreme Court, so we now agree.
“He won, we’ve decided. According to the Supreme Court, there is nowhere else for us to go. He should now just rule, enhance the quality of life for Nigerians, address global security, raise our people’s economic standing, and combat corruption.
