Ogun State, Nigeria — In the face of the swelling “End Bad Governance” protests sweeping across the nation, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has come forward to defend President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Speaking on Channels Television’s “Politics Today” program, yesterday, Governor Abiodun addressed the criticism and unrest that have gripped the country.
During the interview, Seun confronted Governor Abiodun with a pointed question about the legitimacy and performance of President Tinubu’s government, especially given the widespread dissatisfaction manifesting in the protests. Seun said, “there are those who do not believe in the Bola Tinubu project. There are those who did not vote for Bola Tinubu and the APC, and whatever is going on today they will say it serves you right. What do you tell them because you are one of those who raised President Tinubu’s hand that he’s the best man for the job?”
In response, Governor Abiodun emphasized that President Tinubu won the election, asserting that the majority of Nigerians supported him. “majority of Nigerians voted for President Tinubu,” he stated before being interrupted by Okin, who challenged the claim by pointing out the election’s low margin of victory. Okin remarked, “Majority of Nigerians didn’t vote for Tinubu. The figures didn’t say so; the figures didn’t say so. It’s one of the lowest vote margins we have seen in presidential elections in years, sir.”
Governor Abiodun stood firm in his defense, acknowledging the tight race but insisting on Tinubu’s legitimate victory. “No, what I’m saying is he won the election. Of the three contenders, he won; he majorly won that election, Seun, and that says one thing: those that wanted him to be president were far more than those that he wanted to be president.”
He went on to address the root causes of the current unrest, attributing it to a refusal to accept electoral outcomes and the global trend of economic hardship. “The problem we have today is that Nigerians are sore losers. Rather than decide or accept the fact that if you want a regime change, wait till 2027. Don’t begin to sponsor faceless, leaderless protests under the guise that you are dissatisfied.”
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Governor Abiodun pointed out that the issues Nigeria faces are not unique, citing similar protests in Ghana and the UK as evidence of a broader trend. “The current reality is not peculiar to Nigeria alone. There were protests in Ghana yesterday, and there are protests in London today in the UK. So, what are we talking about, Seun?”
In closing, Governor Abiodun called for unity and dialogue, urging Nigerians to work together to address the nation’s challenges constructively. “The medicine for a headache is not to cut off the head. We must all work together, join hands together, and speak to each other. Let us have a dialogue that is constructive, knowing that you have a responsive administration in place.”
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