A concerned citizen, Seyi Babaeko, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to implore a statesmanlike intervention in the ongoing legal challenges involving former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai.
Babaeko in his personally signed open letter, appealed to the President to encourage dialogue and reconciliation in the national interest.
“Nigeria stands at a defining moment in her democratic evolution. Our nation faces significant economic pressures, security concerns, and increasing political polarization,” Babaeko wrote.
“This appeal is neither a call for executive interference in judicial proceedings nor an attempt to diminish the independence of the courts. Rather, it is a plea for dialogue, understanding, and national reconciliation wherever such opportunities may exist within the framework of justice, due process, and the rule of law.”
Babaeko described El-Rufai as a notable figure in Nigeria’s political landscape, adding that regardless of differing opinions about his views or methods, his contributions to public administration, governance reforms, and national discourse have formed part of Nigeria’s contemporary political history.
“As the acknowledged leader of Nigeria’s progressive movement and a central architect of coalition politics in modern Nigeria, you have consistently demonstrated a remarkable capacity to build consensus across political, ethnic, and ideological boundaries.”
Making a case for political reconciliation, Babaeko said: “History remembers leaders not merely for the contests they won but for the divisions they healed and the unity they inspired. The most enduring victories are often those that strengthen national cohesion.”
Quoting former late South African President Nelson Mandela, he added: “Courageous people do not fear forgiving for the sake of peace.”
Babaeko urged the President to deploy his considerable political capital, moral authority, and statesmanlike influence in promoting peaceful engagement, mutual understanding, and any lawful mechanisms of alternative dispute resolution that may contribute to national unity while fully respecting the independence of the judiciary and the supremacy of the Constitution.
“History remember your administration as one that strengthened democratic institutions, fostered national cohesion, and built bridges where others saw barriers.”
