Former Lagos State Deputy Governor, Kofo Bucknor-Akerele, has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s reported focus on securing a second term in 2027, calling it a misplaced priority given Nigeria’s deepening social and economic crisis.
Speaking on The Morning Brief programme on Channels Television, Bucknor-Akerele — who served under Tinubu from 1999 to 2002 — said the administration should instead be focused on rescuing the country from its current decline.
“Unfortunately, what I see is that the president seems more concerned about a second term than fixing the country,” she said. “I think he should pay attention to the work being done by people like Emeka Anyaoku and others who are committed to creating a better future for Nigeria.”
Bucknor-Akerele, a member of The Patriots, a group led by former Commonwealth Secretary-General Emeka Anyaoku, urged Tinubu’s advisers to redirect his focus from 2027 politics to addressing Nigeria’s challenges. “I hope that his advisers will be able to tell him that 2027 is not our priority right now. Our priority is fashioning something that will be able to make Nigeria great again,” she added.
‘Disenchanted youths may resist politicians in 2027’
She warned that the growing frustration among Nigerian youth—especially over unemployment—could derail political ambitions in the next election cycle. “We need full employment for our youths. Many are roaming the streets, some with degrees but working as security guards. Is that the Nigeria we want?”
She added, “It’s urgent. This can’t wait until after another election. Some of these politicians may not even get the power they seek, because the youth are restive. Let us pray we don’t end up in a revolution.”
Bucknor-Akerele calls for constitutional reform
Bucknor-Akerele reiterated support for a complete overhaul of the nation’s constitution as championed by the Anyaoku-led group. According to her, the existing system has failed to serve current and future generations.
“We need drastic action now. Our security, economy, education, and health systems are all in a state of disarray,” she said.
On restructuring, she advocated for long-standing demands such as state policing and budget reform. “Recurrent expenditure is swallowing our budget. We need a leaner, more effective system that delivers free education and healthcare. That was once possible in Nigeria — it can be again.”
The former deputy governor said the current hardship across the country means Tinubu’s government will soon have no choice but to adopt the Patriots’ proposals.
“There’s frustration everywhere in Nigeria. If this government believes it can carry on with business as usual, then I’m sorry to say—we are headed for disaster,” she said.
