By Ade Oyeyemi
An Akure-based cleric, Pastor Emmanuel Ekundayo, has called for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu in 2027, citing what he described as major reforms in the economy, security and infrastructure.
Ekundayo, the Senior Pastor of Christ the Strong Tower Ministry, Akure, said Tinubu had demonstrated the political courage to implement policies that previous administrations allegedly avoided because of their potential political consequences.
However, the Ondo State Chairman of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Kennedy Peretei, disagreed with the cleric’s assessment, arguing that the administration’s policies had increased economic hardship and worsened the living conditions of Nigerians.
Speaking in an interview, Ekundayo highlighted the removal of petrol subsidy, the floating of the naira, local government autonomy, proposed state police, military reforms, electricity sector reforms and renewed attention to mining and infrastructure as some of the administration’s major initiatives.
He defended the removal of the petrol subsidy, arguing that the previous arrangement was unsustainable and had allegedly encouraged the diversion of subsidised petroleum products across Nigeria’s borders for profit.
According to him, the economic difficulties being experienced by Nigerians should be viewed as part of the adjustment process required to reform the country’s economy.
On the petroleum sector, the cleric said the problems confronting the industry predated the Tinubu administration, while noting that efforts to revive the country’s refineries had yet to fully achieve the desired results.
He, however, credited the Dangote Refinery with helping to cushion the impact of the challenges in the downstream oil sector, while criticising successive governments for failing to adequately prepare for the country’s energy needs.
Ekundayo also commended what he described as efforts to strengthen national security and diversify the economy. He said the proposed state police structure was long overdue and argued that ongoing military reforms could improve the country’s security architecture.
The cleric further pointed to mining, electricity generation, infrastructure development and efforts to attract foreign investment as areas where he believed the government was making progress.
He advocated greater local processing of Nigeria’s natural resources, arguing that the country should reduce its dependence on exporting raw materials and develop industries capable of adding value to its resources locally.
Ekundayo, who expressed confidence in Tinubu’s chances in the 2027 presidential election, also dismissed concerns surrounding the Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket.
He argued that the President’s political experience and his record in Lagos had demonstrated an ability to govern across religious and ethnic lines.
The cleric urged Nigerians to support the administration while continuing to offer constructive criticism. He also called for a reduction in the cost of governance and stronger measures to block avenues for corruption.
However, reacting to the assessment in an interview with The Radiance, Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC chairman in Ondo State, Hon Kennedy Peretei, accused the Tinubu administration of worsening poverty and placing excessive pressure on households through its economic policies.
He questioned the government’s record in areas including security, infrastructure, healthcare, education and transportation, alleging that many families were struggling to meet basic expenses such as food, school fees and medical bills.
Peretei also rejected the argument that the NDC’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, lacked the political structure required to challenge Tinubu in 2027.
He said the party had structures at the ward, local government and national levels, adding that the support of Nigerians remained its most important political asset.
The NDC chairman predicted that the 2027 election would reflect what he described as widespread dissatisfaction with the present administration, alleging that the government had failed to adequately tackle corruption and economic hardship.
He warned that another four years under Tinubu, in his view, would further deepen the difficulties confronting Nigerians.
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While the two differed sharply over the performance of the administration, Ekundayo stressed that Nigerians also had a responsibility to contribute to national development through honesty, integrity and responsible citizenship.
He maintained that rebuilding the country should not be left solely to political leaders, urging citizens to play an active role in improving the nation.
