By Idris Muhammed Abdullahi
“Biyayya ga shugaba, biyayya ga Allah” Obedience to leadership is obedience to God.
This message is not sycophancy. It is borne out of sincere patriotism, spiritual duty, and an unwavering desire to see Nigeria prosper under your leadership.
Mr. President, Time Is of the Essence
The hope that greeted your swearing-in has been strained by the hardship of reforms. The people are hurting , yes but they are also confused. Who is responsible for what? Who collects what? And who delivers on what?
That is why, Mr. President, you must lead a national truth campaign: “Hold Your State Governors Accountable.”
1. Shift the Narrative: Tell the People the Truth
The Federal Government is wrongly blamed for everything u from potholes on township roads to unpaid primary school teachers. The structure of our federation demands shared responsibility, but Nigerians don’t see that because there’s been no deliberate effort to educate the masses on the roles of federal, state, and local governments.
You must act now:
Publish monthly federal allocations to all 36 states and 774 local governments not just on obscure websites, but in newspapers, radio jingles, translated social media infographics, and community-based information boards.
Tell Nigerians clearly: “This is what your governor received. This is what your local government chairman got. Demand results from them. It is your right.”
This will redirect the political heat to where it belongs and allow the Federal Government and by extension, your presidency to breathe and regain credibility.
2. You Have Tried , But People Need to Know It
Mr. President, in fairness, your administration has made bold moves:
You ended the unsustainable fuel subsidy , a courageous decision avoided for decades.
You unified the naira exchange rate , exposing years of fraud and racketeering.
You’ve engaged international investors and development partners.
You’ve signed critical bills into law that previous governments sat on.
But Nigerians don’t feel the impact yet and in politics, perception is often stronger than reality. To win the next election or even salvage trust, you must amplify your wins and let the people know what you’ve done, what the governors must do, and what is left.
3. Winning the North: The Arithmetic of Power
In a democracy, “he who has the numbers has the final say.” And the North, by population and votes, remains central to any path to victory. Yet, the region feels economically ignored and politically diluted. This can be reversed:
Invest in agriculture, security, and infrastructure.
Honor religious and cultural values without compromising national unity.
Appoint and empower more visible, competent Northern leaders into strategic roles not as tokens, but as true stakeholders.
4. Economic Recovery: Don’t Just Deregulate , Reengineer
It’s not deregulation that hurts Nigerians, but deregulation without cushioning. Your reforms are sound in principle, but implementation must now be people-centered:
Create targeted subsidies for transportation and food distribution.
Incentivize local production with tax reliefs and low-interest credit.
Support states to generate IGR by giving technical assistance to improve their tax systems.
Crack down on forex racketeering and speculative hoarding.
5. Speak to the People More. Be Seen. Be Present.
Distance breeds suspicion. The people must see their President , not only in suits in foreign summits but also in Kaftan in Sokoto, Agbada in Ibadan, and plain clothes in Makurdi. Walk through markets. Visit IDP camps. Sit with students. The optics matter. Empathy must not be delegated.
Host regular Presidential People’s Dialogue , a televised townhall where you address the nation in plain language and local dialects. Let Nigerians see your heart.
6. Restructure the Team, Reignite the Base
You cannot win 2027 with the same team that’s fast losing touch with Nigerians. Some of your appointees are arrogant, inaccessible, and disconnected from the grassroots. Reconfigure the inner circle. Empower younger, energetic voices from across the regions not just Lagos elites.
Also, reunite the APC family. Many feel abandoned from governors to local power blocs. Political victory demands alliances, reconciliation, and inclusion.
FINAL WORD
Mr. President, your name is on the chapter of history being written right now. If you succeed in this tough season, you will be remembered not just as a winner of elections, but as a rebuilder of nations.
As the Hausa say, “Komai nisan jifa, ƙasa zai faɗo.” No matter how far the stone is thrown, it must land.
This is your landing moment. Reflect. Reset. Rebuild.
We know you have tried. Let the people know too. And let the governors deliver their share of responsibility publicly, transparently, and accountably.
Nigeria is at a crossroads. You still have the steering wheel. Drive us home.
