Ojudu Reveals How Tinubu, He Narrowly Escaped Death In Third Mainland Bridge Crash

Ojudu Reveals How Tinubu, He Narrowly Escaped Death In Third Mainland Bridge Crash

Former presidential aide and journalist Babafemi Ojudu has recounted how he and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu narrowly escaped death in a late-night accident on the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos.

Ojudu disclosed the incident in an open letter to Tinubu, recalling events surrounding the 1999 Lagos State governorship election and his long relationship with the President.

According to him, the incident happened at about 1:30am, shortly before Tinubu was elected governor of Lagos State.

Ojudu said he had accompanied Tinubu to the Ikoyi residence of a senior security official, Ibrahim Solomon, because they were concerned about the possibility of the governorship election being manipulated against him.

He said Solomon assured them that the security apparatus would ensure a level playing field and that the assurance was eventually fulfilled.

However, while returning from the meeting through the Third Mainland Bridge, tragedy nearly struck.

Ojudu said Tinubu’s driver, the late Mustapha, apparently fell asleep while driving, causing the vehicle to crash into the bridge railing.

Both men survived the accident.

Ojudu recalled that after the crash, Tinubu asked him to take control of the vehicle and drive them to Alausa. He said he had never driven an automatic vehicle before but somehow managed to get them safely to their destination.

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The former presidential aide said the incident was one of several defining moments in his relationship with Tinubu, which began during their involvement in the struggle against military rule and continued through Tinubu’s political career in Lagos.

Following Tinubu’s victory in the 1999 election, Ojudu said he helped coordinate transition committees and preparations for the new administration but chose not to seek an appointment.

He explained that he preferred to remain outside government so he could continue to offer independent advice without being influenced by the expectation of political appointments or other benefits.

Ojudu said he maintained that role during Tinubu’s eight years as Lagos State governor, often challenging or questioning decisions when he believed they required reconsideration.

He said he was adopting the same approach in his latest message to Tinubu, despite acknowledging that their relationship had become strained.

Ojudu disclosed that he and Tinubu had not met since 2022 and that he had publicly stated that he neither worked for Tinubu’s 2023 presidential campaign nor voted for him.

He nevertheless said he considered it necessary to speak out because of concerns about the economic difficulties facing Nigerians.

A major part of his appeal focused on the rising cost of living, including the impact of fuel prices, transportation costs and food prices on households.

Ojudu urged Tinubu to assess the success of government policies not only through economic statistics but also through the daily experiences of ordinary Nigerians who are struggling to meet basic needs.

He also called for stronger action against insecurity, arguing that economic reforms would have limited meaning for citizens who remain afraid to travel, farm, trade or conduct other legitimate activities.

On the political front, Ojudu urged Tinubu to ensure that government institutions remain neutral as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.

He called for security agencies to protect voters, candidates and electoral officials without intimidation or political bias, while urging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to be adequately supported to conduct credible elections.

Ojudu also appealed to Tinubu to respect the independence of the judiciary and allow electoral disputes to be resolved according to the law.

Reflecting on their past, he recalled the sacrifices made during the struggle against military rule and said the right of Nigerians to freely choose their leaders was one of the principles for which they had fought.

Ojudu acknowledged Tinubu’s constitutional right to seek another term but stressed that Nigerians also have the right to assess the administration and make their choice at the ballot box.

He urged the President to respect the outcome of a free and credible election, regardless of its result.

Ojudu concluded his appeal by urging Tinubu to “finish well” and use the remaining years of his administration to ease the difficulties facing Nigerians, strengthen democratic institutions and leave the country safer, more united and more prosperous.

Ojudu Reveals How Tinubu, He Narrowly Escaped Death In Third Mainland Bridge Crash