馃嚦馃嚞NigeriaWest Africa
Babatunde Fashola prefers private counsel to public criticism of President Tinubu's administration
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
Former Lagos State Governor and Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, stated he advises President Bola Tinubu privately rather than publicly criticizing his administration on television. During an interview on TVC News, Fashola explained that the President directly sought his input on areas for improvement ahead of the 2027 elections. He emphasized maintaining this private communication channel, noting he has direct access to the President and has already offered advice on several issues. Fashola dismissed the idea of "blind spots" in the administration, stating public criticism is unnecessary when one has the President's ear. He also ruled out a presidential bid, expressing contentment with his current role, and reflected on his over two decades in public service. Fashola confirmed his continued membership in the Lagos State Governance Advisory Council, distinguishing between offering advice and interfering in government.
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Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has advised Nigerians not to support former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in the 2027 presidential election, accusing him of ethnic politics. Lawal made these comments during a telephone interview, reacting to a controversy surrounding the African Democratic Congress ADC governorship ticket in Adamawa State. He alleged that Atiku was attempting to replace the party鈥檚 governorship candidate, Suleiman Omar, with Tukur Modibbo, claiming Atiku's politics are ethnically motivated. In response, Atiku Abubakar, through his media aide Phrank Shaibu, denied the allegations, calling them false and baseless. The statement asserted that Atiku had no involvement in any plot to replace the ADC governorship candidate in Adamawa State, and that those behind the claims were uncomfortable with the party's growing unity. The statement urged party members and the public to disregard what it termed "malicious propaganda," emphasizing the ADC's commitment to due process and internal democracy.
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