Campaign with your scorecard, Dele Momodu tells Tinubu
Dele Momodu, an ADC chieftain, has urged President Bola Tinubu to campaign for re-election in 2027 based on his administration's performance, not political rhetoric, emphasizing that Nigerians will judge his record.
Intelligence analysis by Gemini 2.5 Flash
Momodu, publisher of Ovation Magazine, stated on Channels Television that Tinubu's 2027 re-election success hinges on demonstrating tangible results, not personal popularity. He criticized the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for continuing to blame past administrations for Nigeria's challenges, asserting that the current government must show what it has done to improve the coun…
Imagine a football coach telling a player, "Don't just talk about how good you are; show me your goals and assists from the last game!" That's what a politician named Dele Momodu is telling Nigeria's President Tinubu. He's saying that for the next big election, the President shouldn't just make promises, but needs to show everyone all the good things his government has actually done to make life better for people. He also thinks it's not fair to keep blaming old problems on the previous team; the current team needs to show what *they* have fixed.
Analysis
The Imperative of Performance for Re-election
Dele Momodu's counsel to President Bola Tinubu underscores a fundamental principle of democratic governance: accountability through performance. By urging Tinubu to present his administration's 'scorecard,' Momodu is advocating for a shift from abstract political promises or historical grievances to concrete achievements. This perspective suggests that the Nigerian electorate, having experienced various administrations, is increasingly looking for tangible improvements in their lives and the nation's economy, rather than being swayed by mere rhetoric. The call implies that the 2027 election will be a referendum on the current government's effectiveness in addressing the myriad challenges facing Nigeria.
Critiquing the Blame Game
Momodu's sharp criticism of the APC for consistently blaming previous administrations for Nigeria's woes highlights a significant point of contention in the country's political discourse. He argues that a party that has been in power since 2015, and whose current leader inherited the mantle, cannot perpetually deflect responsibility. This stance challenges the APC to own its record and demonstrate proactive solutions rather than dwelling on inherited problems. The implication is that voters expect the current leadership to articulate and implement its own vision for progress, rather than using past failures as an excuse for present shortcomings, thereby fostering a more forward-looking political narrative.
The 2027 Political Landscape
The upcoming 2027 general election is already shaping up to be a critical contest, with Momodu's comments setting a tone for what he believes should be the core campaign issue. His remarks also touch upon the dynamics within the opposition, referencing the ongoing friction between former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and mentioning Labour Party candidate Peter Obi. This indicates that while the focus is on Tinubu's performance, the opposition figures are actively positioning themselves. The emphasis on performance could force all political actors, both ruling and opposition, to articulate clearer policy positions and demonstrate their capacity for effective governance, potentially leading to a more issue-driven electoral campaign.
Key points
- Dele Momodu urges President Tinubu to campaign for re-election in 2027 based on his administration's performance.
- Momodu believes Nigerians will judge the government by its record in office, not personal animosity towards Tinubu.
- He criticized the APC for continuing to blame previous administrations for the country's challenges since 2015.
- Momodu questioned what the Tinubu administration has done to change the country's direction since inheriting a struggling economy.
- Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party candidate Peter Obi are noted as key opposition figures for 2027.
If President Tinubu heeds Momodu's advice and focuses on demonstrating tangible achievements, it could lead to a more performance-driven political culture in Nigeria, potentially fostering greater accountability and public trust in governance. A successful re-election bid based on a strong scorecard could also encourage future leaders to prioritize results over rhetoric.
Should the Tinubu administration fail to present a convincing scorecard of performance, it could face significant public dissatisfaction and a challenging re-election campaign in 2027. This scenario might exacerbate political tensions and further erode public confidence in the government's ability to address Nigeria's persistent economic and social challenges.
