Tinubu’s Second-Term Aspiration Misguided, Declares Bucknor-Akerele

Erstwhile Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Kofo Bucknor-Akerele, has characterized President Bola Tinubu’s pursuit of re-election in 2027 as a misguided priority.

 

Bucknor-Akerele served alongside former Lagos governor Tinubu from May 1999 until December 2002, while Tinubu remained in office until May 2007.

 

The seasoned political figure shared her views on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief program on Thursday.

 

Bucknor-Akerele, affiliated with The Patriots, helmed by former Commonwealth Secretary-General Emeka Anyaoku, asserted that the Tinubu administration must urgently revamp the nation’s socio-economic framework.

 

She emphasized that Tinubu’s current focus should not be on securing a second term but rather on revitalizing the country.

 

Bucknor-Akerele remarked, “Regrettably, what I observe is that the president is preoccupied with seeking a second term, which seems to be his primary focus.

 

However, I believe he should consider the insights of individuals like Emeka Anyaoku and many others of similar stature, who are attempting to devise solutions that will transform Nigeria for future generations.

 

“I hope his advisors will convey that 2027 is not our immediate concern; our priority should be crafting a strategy that will elevate Nigeria once more.”

 

The former deputy governor also cautioned that dissatisfied youth might obstruct the self-serving ambitions of certain politicians in the 2027 general elections.

 

“We must ensure full employment for our youth. Many are aimlessly wandering the streets, some are graduates now employed as security personnel. Is this what we desire for Nigeria? I think not.

 

“It is imperative; it cannot be deferred because some individuals aspire to hold power.

 

“The power they covet may elude them, as the youth are now restless, and let us hope that events do not unfold leading to a revolution in this nation,” she stated.

 

Bucknor-Akerele highlighted the Anyaoku group’s advocacy for a new constitution to safeguard the lives of current and future generations.

 

She remarked that Nigeria faces grave challenges and urgent measures must be undertaken to enhance the country’s security, economic, and educational sectors.

 

“We require immediate and drastic action. Nigeria is in a precarious situation. Observe the conditions of our security, economy, education system, and healthcare—they are all in turmoil. Drastic measures are needed,” she said.

 

“We must overhaul our security infrastructure, without question. The call for state police has been longstanding…

 

“We also advocate for a reduction in the exorbitant recurrent expenditure; it is consuming our budgets.

 

“We must reform the system to be more efficient and economical for the populace, thereby improving our social and economic frameworks.

 

“We need a system where our children can receive free education. There was a time when free education and healthcare services existed in parts of Nigeria,” she added.

 

Bucknor-Akerele acknowledged the widespread disillusionment among Nigerians with the current circumstances, asserting that the Tinubu administration will inevitably have to adopt some of the Anyaoku group’s proposals.

 

She stated, “I am convinced that with sufficient pressure on this government, they will have no choice, as there is not a region in Nigeria where people are not discontented with our current plight.

 

“If this government believes they can persist as they are, then regretfully, I fear this nation is on the brink of catastrophe,” she concluded.