Senator Babafemi Ojudu, a former aide to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, has openly criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership, stating that Nigeria would have fared better under Yemi Osinbajo.
Speaking on Edmund Obilo’s State Affairs podcast on Monday, December 31, Ojudu expressed disappointment with Tinubu’s leadership style and questioned the “Emi Lokan” philosophy that anchored his 2023 presidential campaign.
The phrase “It’s my turn” in Yoruba has drawn mixed reactions since the election.
“I just feel that the philosophy of Emi Lokan was not appropriate at this time,” Ojudu remarked.
“Osinbajo was the best person to govern Nigeria at that time, having seen him up close.”
Ojudu, who worked closely with both Tinubu and Osinbajo, praised the former vice president as a visionary leader.
“This country would have gone places with him if he had the opportunity, but it didn’t happen,” he lamented, referring to Osinbajo’s loss to Tinubu in the 2023 APC presidential primary.
The Ekiti-born politician also stressed the importance of competent governance, highlighting the need for collaboration across all sectors.
“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,” he argued.
Ojudu’s comments have reignited conversations about leadership in Nigeria, with many reflecting on the missed opportunity of Osinbajo’s presidency.
