● Ex-SGF knocks insecurity, rural neglect, identity politics, says “removing Tinubu isn’t enough if replacement is worse”
Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir David Lawal says Nigerians are experiencing worsening hardship and insecurity under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, insisting governance must be judged by results, not ethnicity or political loyalty.
Speaking Tuesday on _Frontline_ on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ogun State, Lawal said citizens across all regions are struggling and leadership should be held accountable for outcomes, not defended on identity grounds.
–“I judge governance by results, not tribe”–
Lawal dismissed what he called “son-of-the-soil” defense of the President. “Even Nigerians believe Bola has not been able to give us good governance, except for you Yoruba who say, even if he’s killing everybody, as long as he’s a Yoruba man, he’s okay with us… But I am not that kind of person,” he said.
“Nigerians are suffering everywhere, whether in the North, South, East or West, and government must be held accountable for that suffering.”
–Insecurity = governance failure–
The ex-SGF said insecurity remains the clearest indicator of failure. “You cannot build a country where people are being killed in their villages and life continues as normal. Government cannot just keep acknowledging problems without solving them,” Lawal stated.
He said rural communities are most exposed: “When people are killed in villages, houses are burned, churches are destroyed, and nothing meaningful happens afterward, it creates a sense that life is cheap. That is not how a government should operate.”
Lawal added that citizens are “tired of hearing government is aware of insecurity or economic hardship. Awareness is not the issue. Action is what matters. Nigerians want to see results, not statements.”
—2027: Don’t remove Tinubu only to get someone worse–
Turning to the next election, Lawal urged voters to prioritize competence over emotion or ethnicity. “Nigerians must look for the right person that can defeat Bola Tinubu. But defeating an incumbent is not enough. If we remove him and bring in someone worse, it will not help the country,” he warned.
“The issue is not just about removing anybody. It is about making sure that whoever comes in is better, more competent, and capable of delivering results Nigerians can feel.”
He said political office “is not a reward for loyalty or popularity, but a responsibility that requires competence and accountability,” and called for a shift from “identity politics” to “issue-based political decisions.”
“My concern is Nigeria. It is not about any individual or group. It is about who can govern better and improve the lives of people,” Lawal said.
“Democracy does not end on election day. Leaders must remain accountable all the time. If you are not satisfied, you have the power to change leadership through your vote. That is democracy.”Babachir Lawal
