2027 and return of the predators: A call for Youth awakening. By Lai Gidado
2027 and return of the predators: A call for Youth awakening
In 2014, I wrote an editorial titled: ‘Nigeria at a Crossroad’.
I wrote that piece based on what I saw in General Muhammadu Buhari, something very different from what many shouting Sai Baba saw in him.
Most Nigerians then formed their opinion of General Buhari based on his actions in 1984, during his rule alongside the late Babatunde Idiagbon. Buhari, the no-nonsense man. Buhari, the action man. Buhari, the honest man.
But in that editorial, I asked: Is this the same Buhari of 31 years ago? Can Buhari act alone without Idiagbon? Can Buhari act like a soldier among politicians? My answer was no.
I argued that Buhari was not the messiah. Rather, we were simply in undue haste with Goodluck Ebele Jonathan. I wished Nigerians had given him a little more time.
Now, with the 2027 game already on the field, politicians are ganging up and regrouping again. But this time, I foresee something worse on the horizon, if we don’t CALM DOWN.
Nigerians must stop being in such a constant rush. We must understand that no pain, no gain.
The fox and the lions who drove us into the wilderness are regrouping once more, pretending to be on a rescue mission.
I looked through the list of these so-called “men of timber and calibre” claiming to be regrouping to save Nigeria, and I was shocked. Not a single fresh face in Nigeria’s political power house. All I saw were former governors, former ministers, former senators, and former house members.
These are the same people who ruled from 1999 to 2023. They left office barely three years ago, and now they are the ones complaining?
One of these “hungry” men just celebrated his 60th birthday in a ₦30 million rented hall, excluding food, drinks, and other expenses amounting to nearly a billion naira, yet he claims we are hungry. We, or who?
Another former minister recently held a political reunion in one of the South-West states, where millions of dollars were reportedly shared. He now says, we want to rescue Nigeria. From whom, exactly?
As always, I say this again: I AM NOT A POLITICIAN.
Nigerians, let us calm down. None of these old foxes or lions can solve our problems. They are the problem.
Nigerian youths, arise! Shine your eyes! Don’t be deceived, these old brigade cannot help you.
Conclusion:
The youths must now form a strong coalition, join a political party, ensure they are in the majority, negotiate with the ruling party, and plan to take over from the old men.
Youth in positions of authority must learn to be disciplined and resist greed. Let the world see signs of true leadership in you.
We cannot reach our goal in haste. Let us look, listen, and learn.
Don’t be deceived, the hungry lions and leopards cannot rescue us. They are planning to devour us.
God bless Nigeria.
Lai Gidado
8th July 2025
