Former Niger State Governor, Dr. Babangida Aliyu, has sparked a wave of reactions following his latest political remarks, stating that Nigerians, having endured the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari for eight years, can equally live with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu until 2031.
Aliyu made the comment during a political dialogue in Abuja on Friday, where he addressed the current state of governance, citizen frustrations, and the need for political patience in democratic processes.
“In a democracy, you don’t always get what you want immediately. We tolerated President Buhari for eight long years — despite the hardship, insecurity, and economic downturn. So why can’t we live with Tinubu and give him time till 2031, especially since he has just started?” Aliyu said.
The former governor, who is also a prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), clarified that his statement was not necessarily an endorsement of Tinubu’s policies but a call for national stability and constructive political engagement.
According to Aliyu, constant calls for resignation or premature leadership changes could further destabilize the country. He urged Nigerians to exercise their constitutional rights through the ballot box rather than social media outrage or political protests.
“Democracy thrives on patience and participation, not daily anger. If we want change, we must organize better, vote better, and hold leaders accountable through the proper channels,” he added.
His comments have sparked mixed reactions across the country. Supporters of President Tinubu have praised the statement as a voice of reason, encouraging citizens to give the administration more time to address the country’s challenges. On the other hand, critics argue that the comparison to Buhari’s tenure overlooks the mounting economic pressure, inflation, and insecurity currently affecting millions of Nigerians.
Political analysts say Aliyu’s remarks reflect a broader concern among the political elite over increasing public dissatisfaction with governance. They also note that the comment may be a subtle message to opposition parties to begin long-term planning rather than focusing solely on short-term agitation.
As Nigeria’s 2027 election draws closer, debates around leadership, performance, and national patience are expected to intensify, with politicians like Babangida Aliyu continuing to influence public discourse.
0 Comments