Former Lagos State Deputy Governor Kofo Bucknor-Akerele has sharply criticized President Bola Tinubu’s ambition for a second term, labeling it a “misplaced priority” given Nigeria’s worsening security and economic conditions.
In a public interview on July 16, 2025, the veteran politician, who served under Governor Bola Tinubu from 1999 to 2003, argued that the country is in “dire straits,” necessitating immediate and drastic measures rather than political posturing for 2027.
She highlighted a 35% rise in violent crimes in 2025, including a surge in kidnappings, and an inflation rate nearing 34%, which has eroded purchasing power, as evidence of the urgency. Bucknor-Akerele called for enhanced security funding and agricultural revitalization, suggesting a 20% budget reallocation from administrative costs to these sectors.
Her remarks, delivered at a civic forum in Ikeja, come as Tinubu’s administration marks its second year, with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) endorsing his re-election bid on May 22, 2025. Bucknor-Akerele, a PDP stalwart, accused the government of ignoring root causes like poverty, where 40% of Nigerians live below the poverty line per World Bank data, and focusing on political survival.
The critique has gained traction among opposition groups, though APC officials dismissed it as partisan, citing infrastructure projects like the Lagos-Ibadan railway as proof of progress. The debate underscores a deepening divide, with analysts questioning whether Tinubu’s reforms, including subsidy removal, can yield results before the next election cycle.