Tinubu’s Policies May Cost Him Re-election 2027 — Catholic Leader Onaiyekan Warns

Catholic leader and former Archbishop of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, has warned that President Bola Tinubu risks losing re-election in 2027 if he does not urgently change course on his current policies.

Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday during an interaction with journalists at a public lecture organised by the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN) as part of Communication Week, Onaiyekan expressed concern over the growing disconnect between the Nigerian government and the people it governs.

“My advice for Mr. President is simple: get in touch with the reality of what Nigerians are going through,” the respected clergyman said. “Not what those praising him endlessly are telling him, but the truth on the ground.”

Using the example of Mpape, a poor settlement on the outskirts of Abuja, Onaiyekan said leaders should know how ordinary Nigerians are surviving, especially those earning a meagre N30,000 monthly wage.

“It’s not too much to expect that a leader should understand the daily struggles of his people. Even if he doesn’t live in Mpape for two days—which honestly wouldn’t be a bad idea—he must know what life is like for those who do,” he added.

The Cardinal didn’t mince words in criticising the government’s performance over the past two years, saying the living standards of Nigerians have drastically deteriorated.

“Whether or not it is the government’s fault, their responsibility is to ensure the people’s well-being. Right now, that’s not happening. And if things continue like this, in a truly free and fair election, I don’t see how he can be re-elected,” he warned.

Onaiyekan urged the president to use the remaining part of his term to refocus on policies that directly uplift the poor and improve economic conditions across the country.

“If he changes direction and adopts people-focused policies, Nigerians will not forget him. But if he continues on this current path, he may have a hard time convincing Nigerians to give him another chance,” he said.

He also called on Tinubu’s advisers to stop shielding him from the truth and start offering honest feedback.

“The elections are over. The Supreme Court has ruled. It’s time to focus on governance—fix the economy, tackle insecurity, and address corruption. That’s what Nigerians need now, not politics,” Onaiyekan added.

The post Tinubu’s Policies May Cost Him Re-election 2027 — Catholic Leader Onaiyekan Warns appeared first on Kano Times.