Ex-Lagos Lawmaker Asks Atiku, Obi To Support Tinubu’s Re-election

A former Lagos lawmaker, Hon. Jude Idimogu, has appealed to the Action Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, and his Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) counterpart, Peter Obi, to step down and support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term.

Idimogu spoke on Thursday on the sidelines of Nigeria’s 66th Independence Day celebration.

In a press statement issued to journalists today, Idimogu said four years would not be enough for Tinubu to complete his reforms, stressing that the President needs the support and prayers of all Nigerians to deliver on his Renewed Hope Agenda.

Idimogu urged Atiku to sheath his sword, stressing the long-standing friendship between the two political figures.

“Tinubu and Atiku have always been friends. It is not the North’s turn now. They should wait till 2031 and support Asiwaju,” he said.

He also appealed to Obi, whom he described as his brother, to support Tinubu in the interest of southern unity.

“For my brother, Peter Obi, he is a gentleman. But he should allow the South to work with Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. If you divide the South now, you are pushing power to the North,” Idimogu said.

On Tinubu’s reforms, he said, “Rome was not built in a day. I still believe in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government. I believe in his experience.

“Nigerians should not forget that he is just over three years in office, and he cannot perform magic. With all the reforms he is undertaking, it will take a while for the benefits to get to ordinary Nigerians,” he said.

Idimogu described Tinubu as a patriotic Nigerian committed to moving the country forward and urged citizens across the regions to rally behind him.

He said opposition parties have a role to play in a democracy but noted that criticism should come with viable alternatives.

“There is no democracy where there is no opposition. The opposition can criticise him, but also provide a better alternative to whatever policies Asiwaju and the APC are bringing forward,” he said.

The former lawmaker appealed for respect for the zoning arrangement, arguing that with the presidency currently in the South, the North should wait until 2031.

“Let the North allow the South to complete its tenure. Four years is not enough, so give him the opportunity to complete his eight years,” he said.

“After the South, the presidency will move to the North. There is no point trying to abort it now; it will not help us.”

He expressed confidence that Tinubu would win in 2027, citing his hard work and widespread support.

“I don’t see any opposition party that will win. I know APC will win. Asiwaju will return as president in 2027. It will not be easy, but I believe he will emerge,” he added.

Idimogu urged Nigerians to continue to criticise constructively where necessary but allow the President to complete his tenure through a second term ending in 2031.