In a scathing critique of President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, Babafemi Ojudu, former Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, has expressed doubts about Tinubu’s ability to effectively rule Nigeria at this point in time. Speaking on Edmund Obilo’s ‘State Affairs’ podcast, Ojudu, who has worked closely with Tinubu in the past, stated that he believes Tinubu’s philosophy does not align with what Nigeria needs under its current circumstances.

Ojudu’s remarks come as he pointed to former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo as a “visionary” who would have been better suited to lead the country, had the opportunity arisen. “This country would have gone places with him,” Ojudu remarked, emphasizing his belief that Osinbajo’s leadership would have driven Nigeria to greater heights.

He went on to explain that, based on his experience working closely with both Tinubu and Osinbajo, he felt the “Emi Lokan” philosophy—associated with Tinubu’s political movement—was not the right fit for Nigeria at this time. “I feel that the philosophy of Emi Lokan was not appropriate at this time,” Ojudu stated, suggesting that it lacked the vision and collaborative mindset needed to tackle the nation’s pressing challenges.

Ojudu praised Osinbajo’s leadership style, calling him “a visionary,” and stressed that successful leadership requires more than just a strong president. According to him, a president must surround themselves with a capable team who share the same vision. “You can’t just be a president and have a useless Inspector General of Police, a useless head of Customs or Immigration, or Chief Justice of Nigeria. Everybody must sign on to your ideals, ideas, and visions,” he declared.

Ojudu’s comments have sparked widespread debate, highlighting the ongoing division within Nigerian political circles regarding the country’s leadership direction.