Political Realignments, Youth Exclusion and Cost of Living Dominate Abioye’s Newspaper Review Analysis
OSUN: Media commentator and publisher, Abioye Tosin Lawrence, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to establish clear boundaries for political alliances while translating his cross-party political engagements into inclusive governance, particularly through greater opportunities for young Nigerians.
Abioye made the remarks while speaking on National Dailies, a newspaper review programme anchored by Bola Kareem on Afinju 90.7 FM, located at Dada Estate, Osogbo. During the programme, he analysed major political developments and socioeconomic issues shaping national discourse.
Political Alliances Must Strengthen Governance
Commenting on the political realignments surrounding the 2027 general elections, Abioye argued that the growing convergence of political interests across party lines requires clear boundaries to preserve democratic principles and party identity.
He maintained that while political alliances remain a feature of democratic politics, such arrangements should not undermine accountability, ideological differences or the electorate’s expectations of political parties.
According to him, President Tinubu’s ability to maintain political relationships across party divides should also be reflected in governance through policies and appointments that serve the broader interests of Nigerians.
Obi’s ADC Exit and the Changing Political Landscape
Speaking on former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi’s departure from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Abioye described the development as a significant moment in the evolving political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections.
He observed that the political influence of major opposition figures, including those who finished second and third in the last presidential election, makes their political decisions consequential to the country’s wider political calculations.
Abioye’s remarks highlighted the importance of political realignments and the potential implications of changing party affiliations for the structure of opposition politics.
‘Tinubu Can Nurture a Lion in His Political Den’
Assessing the President’s approach to political relationships, Abioye remarked that Tinubu had demonstrated a willingness to maintain alliances with influential political figures across party lines.
“Let me be sincere with you: President Tinubu can nurture a lion in his political den. For him to have maintained Wike for more than three years?” Abioye said, referring to the President’s political relationship with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
He argued that the President’s experience in managing relationships with political leaders should be matched by a commitment to broadening participation in governance, particularly by creating opportunities for younger Nigerians with fresh ideas and demonstrable capacity.
Youth Inclusion Critical to National Development
The publisher stressed that no nation aspiring to sustainable development could afford to marginalise its young population in political leadership and public administration.
According to him, many young Nigerians continue to demonstrate resilience, creativity and determination despite the limited opportunities available to them within the country’s political structure.
He called for a governance framework that recognises young people’s potential to contribute to national development through innovation, policy formulation, public service and international representation.
Abioye maintained that Nigeria needs leaders who can move beyond eloquent speeches to transform ideas into practical solutions capable of improving citizens’ lives and restoring public confidence in national institutions.
He added that opening leadership positions to capable young people would help harness the country’s human resources and strengthen its prospects for long-term development.
Rising Cost of Living Requires Policy Intervention
On the rising cost of living, Abioye argued that government interventions must go beyond temporary relief measures to address the underlying policy challenges contributing to the economic pressure on households.
He called on the relevant regulatory authorities to work more closely with government institutions to tackle irregularities in the property market, particularly the activities of unlicensed practitioners.
According to him, the involvement of unlicensed operators in property transactions, alongside the willingness of some landlords to engage them, raises concerns about professional standards, consumer protection and effective regulation within the sector.
He stressed that regulatory authorities must strengthen oversight, enforce existing professional requirements and ensure that property-related transactions are handled by qualified practitioners.
Abioye maintained that although palliatives may provide temporary relief to struggling households, sustainable improvements in living conditions require well-designed policies that address the root causes of rising costs.
He urged the relevant authorities to intensify collaboration with government and professional bodies to improve compliance, strengthen market regulation and protect citizens from exploitative practices.
Call for Practical Governance
Abioye’s comments centred on the need for political leadership to deliver tangible benefits beyond electoral calculations and political alliances.
He maintained that Nigeria’s development prospects depend not only on the ability of political leaders to build relationships across party lines but also on their willingness to translate those relationships into policies that expand opportunities, strengthen institutions and improve the welfare of citizens.