Senator Babafemi Ojudu has come under fresh criticism following his open letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Nigeria’s hardship, insecurity and political future.
In an open reply, lawyer and journalist Oloroogun Sola Ajisafe accused Ojudu of seeking to regain political relevance after years of involvement in government.
Ajisafe argued that Ojudu’s criticism of the Tinubu administration ignores his own record in government and the challenges that existed before May 2023.
Ajisafe questions Ojudu’s record in government
The lawyer took particular aim at Ojudu’s years in the Muhammadu Buhari administration.
He argued that Nigeria faced serious economic challenges during that period, including rising debt, monetary instability and the controversial naira redesign policy.
According to Ajisafe, Ojudu had access to government during those years and should explain the positions he took on the policies he now criticises.
He questioned whether Ojudu wrote any major policy memo, publicly opposed the decisions or resigned over issues he considered harmful to Nigerians.
Ajisafe described the contrast between remaining silent while in government and speaking forcefully after leaving office as a political calculation.
Ojudu accused of ignoring Nigeria’s inherited problems
Ajisafe also rejected the suggestion that Nigeria’s economic hardship began with the Tinubu administration.
He pointed to fuel subsidy spending, multiple exchange rates and the country’s growing debt burden as problems that existed before Tinubu assumed office.
The lawyer argued that the Tinubu government inherited an economy already facing severe pressure.
He said the administration chose to confront those problems through major reforms, even though the immediate effects have placed additional pressure on households.
Ajisafe maintained that criticism of the reforms should also recognise the conditions that made them necessary.
Lawyer challenges Ojudu’s criticism of Tinubu’s advisers
Ajisafe further challenged Ojudu’s concerns about advisers allegedly shielding President Tinubu from uncomfortable information.
He argued that Ojudu had previously occupied influential positions and therefore had a responsibility to speak openly when he had access to power.
According to him, political advisers must raise difficult issues when decisions are being made, rather than wait until they leave office before publicly condemning those decisions.
Ajisafe said genuine political courage should be demonstrated during moments of decision-making, not only after leaving government.
Ajisafe questions Ojudu’s political journey
The response also examined Ojudu’s political activities and his relationship with the political establishment.
Ajisafe argued that Ojudu’s political journey since 2022 should be considered when assessing his latest criticism of the President.
He referred to the controversy surrounding the Ekiti Central senatorial ticket and accused Ojudu of seeking political appointments after losing out in the process.
Ajisafe also dismissed Ojudu’s involvement in the Afe Babalola Road controversy as an issue driven more by visibility than principle.
He accused the former presidential aide of responding aggressively when confronted over the matter instead of engaging his critics through debate.
2027 election raises another political battle
The issue of the 2027 presidential election also featured prominently in Ajisafe’s response.
He agreed that Nigerians deserve a free, fair and credible election but argued that political leaders must also consider the country’s delicate regional balance.
Ajisafe noted that the presidency moved from the North to the South after eight years and argued against efforts to immediately reverse that arrangement after only one term.
He maintained that political stability requires respect for understandings surrounding power rotation and election outcomes.
Ajisafe tells Ojudu to admit his own role
The lawyer concluded by urging Ojudu to focus less on condemnation and more on solutions.
Ajisafe said Nigeria needs critics who can speak honestly about the country’s problems but warned against rewriting history for political advantage.
He challenged Ojudu to acknowledge his own role in previous administrations before judging the current government.
According to Ajisafe, the Tinubu administration should ultimately be judged by its results and not only by the pain created by its reforms.
He argued that difficult economic decisions can be justified if they eventually produce stronger institutions, economic stability and better living conditions.
For Ajisafe, the 2027 election will provide Nigerians with an opportunity to assess the government’s performance.
Until then, he urged Ojudu to stop what he described as a renewed campaign for political relevance and focus instead on offering practical solutions to Nigeria’s problems.