Former Lagos State Deputy Governor, Kofo Bucknor-Akerele, has said President Bola Tinubu’s focus on seeking a second term in 2027 is a misplaced priority, given Nigeria’s worsening social and economic problems.
Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Thursday, the 89-year-old elder stateswoman urged the president to concentrate on fixing the country rather than campaigning for re-election.
“Unfortunately, what I see is that the president is looking for a second term, and that seems to be his focus,” she said. “But 2027 should not be our priority now. Our priority should be saving Nigeria and making it work for future generations.”
Bucknor-Akerele, who served under Tinubu from 1999 to 2002, is a member of *The Patriots*, a group of elder statesmen led by former Commonwealth Secretary-General Emeka Anyaoku. The group has been advocating for a new constitution and major reforms to address Nigeria’s growing insecurity, unemployment, poor education, and struggling economy.
She warned that many Nigerian youths, already frustrated by joblessness and poor governance, might resist the political class come 2027.
“We need full employment for our youths. Many are roaming the streets with no jobs. Some are graduates now working as security men. If nothing is done, we may be heading for a revolution,” she cautioned.
Bucknor-Akerele also called for the introduction of state police and a drastic cut in government spending, especially on overheads. She stressed the need to revive free education and healthcare services in the country.
“There was once free education and free healthcare in parts of Nigeria. It can happen again if leaders focus less on power and more on the people,” she said.
She concluded with a warning: “Nigerians are fed up. If this government continues on its current path, it will lead the country into disaster. Pressure must be put on them to change course.”