Tinubu, APC presidential candidate unveiled
Written By Dedeigbo Ayodeji
Posted By Town Crier News Nigeria
Published By Fitness Network Communications 
Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has been unveiled in a new book which was launched on September 14, 2022.
Entitled, Bola Ahmed Tinubu: Lessons in Endurance and Strategy, the book was presented at Yard 158 Event Arena, Kudirat Abiola Road, Oregun Lagos State Southwest under the sudpices of the Tinubu Legacy Forum, TLF.
Some eminent personalities, including the former Lagos governor’s wife, Remi Tinubu, a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, were decorated with awards at the event.
Other receipients of the awards are Akinsanya Ajose, Oon, and Amina Temitope Ajayi, aka Mama Diaspora was decorated with APC Mourfler and Award.
Addressing the Newsmen Professor Hassan A. Saliu, The Coordinator/Editor on the occasion of the Launch of the Book on BOLA AHMED TINUBU titled ,
” BOLA AHMED TINUBU POLITICS: LESSONS IN ENDURANCE AND STRATEGY”
Held at Yard 158, Event Area , Plot 34, Kudirat ABIOLA Way , Oregun , Lagis on SEPTEMBER,14 2022.
“Courtesies
I am delighted to address this gathering on the occasion of the launch of a book on Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Politics.
” The idea of the book was conceived roughly about six weeks ago, to detail the contributions which Jagaban has made to Nigeria’s democratic project.
” It, however, got started effectively about a month ago, with authors in it contacted to write the assigned chapters and subsequently, they were reviewed and other processes followed.
” I am happy that the book is finally out today for launch.
” As I have said, its main concern is to delineate the political essentials of its subject matter, which is, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the “Asiwaju” of Lagos, “Jagaban” of Borgu and the presidential candidate of the ruling party, the All Progressives Party, APC, in Nigeria.
” Based on the varied involvements of Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Nigeria’s political process, it was not easy delineating the areas of his contributions to Nigeria’s political process, as his footprints are in all major aspects of Nigeria’s political life, especially in the last three decades, that he began his political journey into national politics.
” At the end, I came up with ten areas and a title which I considered to be apt and reflective of the political season we are in.
” I reasoned, quite correctly, that the presidential candidate of the APC, Bola Tinubu, does not need any controversial book in his honour at this point in time that will tell his political history.
” Hence, my decision to settle for a title that is more inviting, welcoming and and that is not in anyway combative.
” The chapters that are contained in the book were carefully chosen to reflect the
promotional needs of the time.
” I know that most people are likely to think that his political journey began with his efforts on the merger of the three main political parties to form the ruling party in 2013 in Nigeria.
” He, however, had been in party politics long before that period.
” He was a Senator, Governor and had occupied some other public positions before the merger of the political parties, which itself, was historic in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
” All his pre-2013 political epoch making efforts have been captured in the book.
” Let me at this point say that the book may disappoint some of its readers who would have expected it to be a book that attempts to answer all questions about its subject matter.
” This is not so, as its focus is on aspects of his political involvement.
” It has been made so to avoid throwing up so many issues that can distract the subject of the book from the main political battle he has ahead of him, which is, to be the elected President of Nigeria after Muhammadu Buhari in the 2023 presidential election. Having the main event of 2023 presidential election in mind, chapter nine of the book, devotes itself to the challenges that Bola Tinubu faces in the political battle and some antidotes to the challenges.
” The book is concluded with chapter ten on lessons that Nigeria’s politicians can learn from the way that Jagaban has played his politics in the last three decades in Nigeria.
” I think I need to stop here so that I am not accused of doing the work of the invited book reviewer for him.
” While welcoming all the dignitaries to this occasion, I enjoin all to carefully go through the pages of the book. I, however, plead for your understanding on a few disappointments you may have with the book in terms of its scope and finishing issues.
” I did have the constraint of time, while working on the book project. I thank you all for your presence here today.
Book Reviewed by:
Babatunde Adeniyi ADEYEMI Ph.D
Professor of Social Studies, Curriculum Studies and Educational Evaluation
Institute of Education,
Faculty of Education
Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Nigeria
adeyemibabs2003@yahoo.com
CHAPTER ONE
Introduction: Knowing About the Book
Hassan A. Saliu, PhD
Department of Political Science, University of Ilorin, Ilorin.
Books written on personalities are common in our country.
They fall into different categories and are motivated for a variety of reasons.
The objective, in most cases, is to detail the accomplishments of such subjects.
Sometimes, such books are written after the central figures have departed this world.
For autobiographies, the storylines usually go smoothly as the dramatist personae relive their lives.
One may also find in such books attempts at correcting some misconceptions about events, people, and/or issues held by the public.
This dimension gives the stamp of memoirs to some autobiographies.
Such books could be a way of addressing some aspects of their subjects’ lives or simply setting out to correct some impressions about them.
When biographers choose to write books about the people they are writing about, the obstacle is more pronounced when they write about deceased people.
Forinstance, the writers may have to contact close associates to undertake extensive analysis of events to delineate the essential roles played by the subjects of their books.
Biographies in all categories are necessary to provide motivation, strength, encouragement, and role modelling for budding young men and women.
Dates may be contentious, and the
sequence of events may not necessarily follow a clear and logical narrative.
These obstacles are, however, surmountable when one is writing about a personality who is very much around.
Fortunately, the subject of this book, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is still alive when the book project about his political career and involvement in the struggle for a democratic Nigeria is undertaken.
Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is the presidential nominee of the ruling party, the All Peoples Congress (APC), in the 2023 presidential election.
He is a businessman, talent hunter, philanthropist, and mentor, among many more positive attributes and appellations.
Asiwaju’s Midas touch has not escaped the attention of some observers and keen watchers of events in Nigeria.
He created a significant African economy out of state that was erstwhile notorious for unmatched disorder in West Africa.
This happened even in the face of hostile Abuja authorities under Olusegun Obasanjo. Asiwaju Tinubu’s political career would show uncommon courage and strategy.
He bore all the travails while having his eyes fixed on the ball.
He was the only man standing when the center used its political machine to sweep his brother, the Governor, out of office.
Following his party’s defeat, he re-planned and plotted his political trajectory upward, eventually leading to the formation of the Action Congress (AC), later renamed the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).
The party, subsequently fused into the
All Progressives Congress (APC), has the unique record of unseating a ruling party in Nigeria.
In the 2015 presidential election.
With the political sagacity displayed over the years, Bola Ahmed Tinubus supporters thought of a befitting book about his political history that would teach younger ones who are increasingly getting excited about Nigerias electoral politics.
This book was therefore conceived as a modest effort to document the various phases of Asiwaju Tinubu’s involvement and contributions to political development in Nigeria up to his emergence as the presidential flagbearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Bola Tinubu’s new book is intended to shed light on some aspects of his political life and draw out lessons for other politicians, especially new entrants into the country’s political scene.
He has traversed all the known layers of political involvement, such as being a party man, financier, canvasser, godfather, mentor, and others.
Asiwaju Tinubu was a senior member of the oil conglomerate, Mobil Exxon, when he quit his position as Treasurer/Auditor.
He later became a Senator, representing Lagos State in the National Assembly. Asiwaju Bola Tinubu was elected as the presidential flagbearer of the APC in June 2022, which people regarded as a reward for loyalty to the party, personal endurance, and robust strategy.
There are bound to be challenges for him in navigating his way to the presidency in the 2023 elections.
CHAPTER TWO
Perspectives on Political Participation
Biereenu-Nnabugwu Makodi PhD, Department of Political Science, Nnamdi Azikiwe
University, Awka
The idea and practice of political participation transcends voting in elections.
It includes a wide range of other behaviors in political situations.
Incidentally, the levels, broad forms or types, and extent of political participation as well as influence in real politics appear to depend on and be substantially affected by certain identifiable specificities.
This chapter examines the many ways that people think and take part in politics and governance.
It inquires as to what constitutes political participation, the levels of participation, and the various types or forms of political participation.
It is divided into nine interrelated parts, with the eightieth part focusing on political participation and the political process.
This chapter examined the interface between theories, issues, and perspectives on political participation.
It acknowledges that their content and extent largely depend on some identifiable specificities.
The views of Robertson (1993), Norris (2002), and Igwe (2005) gave us insights that enabled us to think through themain concern.
CHAPTER THREE
Background and Employments
Bakare Adebola Rafiu, Ph.D.
Department of Political Science
University of Ilorin
bakare.ar@unilorin.edu.ng
In the 1950s and 60s, Bola Ahmed Tinubu was not known outside his family and friends.
By the 1990s, he had become a national figure, given his debut in politics as a Senator.
His coming to the limelight has, however, been greeted with challenges.
Birth and Education
Tinubu’s political consciousness began in his university days when he contested for the post of President of the Accounting Society.
He topped his class and graduated as the best student with a 3.54 CGPA out of the maximum 4.0, which qualified him to receive the highly revered Sumna cum laude award.
Job Career
In 1979, Bola Ahmed Tinubu began his working career with Arthur Anderson, Deloitte Haskins and Sells.
He later joined GTE Service Corporation, a communication and utility company in the United States.
His dedication earned him promotions to the top executive positions at Mobil Oil Nigeria, and he later resigned voluntarily to enter politics in 1992 (Barnaby, 1999).
False Accusations and Political Persecutions
Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is today celebrated political leader whose type is rare among his generation.
His growing influence in the Nigerian political space has exposed him to various political attacks.
Many of his detractors exaggerate these in order to score cheap political points.
Asiwaju Tinubu’s detractors claimed that he did not attend primary and secondary schools, thus disqualifying him to hold office as required by section 177 of the Nigerian 1999 constitution (as amended).
They also claimed that he was not a native of Lagos State and thus could not hold the office.
In addition, there was also the claim that he had falsified his age, which is considered a criminal offence capable of disqualifying him from holding the position of Governor of the state.
Tinubu’s prosecution was politically motivated by a popular human rights lawyer, close to Tinubu, who mounted pressure on President Goodluck Jonathan.
After his discharge and acquittal, the then Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Mr. Mohammed Adoke, SAN, told Premium Times that the prosecution had been politically motivated. All the aforementioned and others were eventually dismissed.
Tinubu: An Enigma of Good Governance and a Fisher of Great Men
Asiwaju Bola Tinubu may not have built the infrastructure that distinguishes Lagos, but he did design the blueprint that all succeeding Governors are following.
Studies have been carried out on the phenomenon of godfatherism in politics, but the Lagos dimension has been largely treated unfairly.
When Tinubu was governor of Lagos State, the state’s IGR rose from N600 million per month to over N8 billion per month.
His efforts have led to the mass emigration of Nigerians from the nooks and crannies of the country to Lagos in search of greener pastures.
Tinubu’s political footprint is seen in the peculiarity of Lagos politics, where easterners and northerners are chosen as commissioners and elected as House of Representatives members.
From this example, two peculiarities can be deduced.
One does not have to come from Lagos to fulfill his political ambitions.
One can serve in a higher office and subsequently be drafted to serve in a politically lower office.
His political mentorship has earned him a huge support base laced with large followership across all spheres of life.
He has the highest support groups, which are over 120 across the country.
His exceptional personality also draws prominent people, including lawmakers, ministers, ambassadors, and traditional rulers, to canvass for his presidency.
Set your eyes on the Ball (2023 Presidential Election), hit a Goal and give no damn to Detractors
Asiwaju Bola Tinubu’s achievements are bound to attract envy and detractors.
My candid recommendation for him is to set his eyes on the ball by concentrating on his networking and campaign.
All he needs to do is to raise a formidable campaign team, especially in the media directorate.
CHAPTER FOUR
Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Attraction and Foray into Politics
Gafar I. Ayodeji, PhD
Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijebu-Ode
Successful technocrats are individuals with technical training and occupations who believe that many major societal problems can be solved by using technology and related applications.
In some cases, the allure of political office is difficult to resist for some technocrats, because many of them like influencing change.
Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu could be regarded as a technocrat who has been an elected official with experience in policy.
He has been in charge of crucial political assets like political connections and influence.
This is a man whose background in the accounting field has prepared him excellently for politics.
Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Foray into Politics
Asiwaju Bola Ahmed’s community service was viewed as a genuine tool for social advancement. He never shied away from helping his community, leading the charge on numerous financial contributions.
Tinubu is the head of the Primrose Group, a political action group attempting to change Lagos State politics fundamentally.
Tinubu’s love for politics was evident when he rejected the lucrative and prestigious role of a Director of Finance at ExxonMobil for the Nigerian project.
So, when the opportunity beckoned to be part of the new major political pathfinders in the Southwest, he grabbed it with both hands (Adesina, 2022).
Tinubu saw the Senate as the launching pad to realize his mission.
On the platform of the SDP, he ran for and won the Senate seat representing Lagos West in 1993.
There and then, he distinguished himself as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking, Finance,
Appropriation, and Currency.
Tinubu contested and won the election as the two-term Governor of Lagos State, from 1999 to 2007.
There is no doubt that his dexterity, temerity, and strategy leveraged him politically.
Tinubu pushed hard in 2006 to persuade former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to become the flagbearer of his party, the AC.
At the ideal time to merge the Nigerian opposition parties nationwide, Tinubu oversaw the bringing together of various political parties into a manageable whole.
He survived all of the difficulties and remained standing despite the risky actions, schemes, and turns that were made against him during the party’s early stages.
Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Pro-Democracy Exploits
As a Senator in 1993, Bola Ahmed Tinubu steadfastly supported the restoration of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election.
He rose to the top of the National Democratic Coalition.
CHAPTER FOUR
Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Attraction and Foray into Politics Gafar I. Ayodeji, PhD Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijebu-Ode Successful technocrats are individuals with technical training and occupations who believe that many major societal problems can be solved by using technology and related applications.
In some cases, the allure of political office is difficult to resist for some technocrats, because many of them like influencing change.
Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu could be regarded as a technocrat who has been an elected official with experience in policy.
He has been in charge of crucial political assets like political connections and influence.
This is a man whose background in the accounting field has prepared him excellently for politics.
Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Foray into Politics Asiwaju Bola Ahmed’s community service was viewed as a genuine tool for social advancement.
He never shied away from helping his community, leading the charge on numerous financial contributions. Tinubu is the head of the Primrose Group, a political action group attempting to change Lagos State politics fundamentally.
Tinubu’s love for politics was evident when he rejected the lucrative and prestigious role of a Director of Finance at ExxonMobil for the Nigerian project.
So, when the opportunity beckoned to be part of the new major political pathfinders in the Southwest, he grabbed it with both hands (Adesina, 2022).
Tinubu saw the Senate as the launching pad to realize his mission.
On the platform of the SDP. he ran for and won the Senate seat representing Lagos West in 1993.
There and then, he distinguished himself as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking, Finance,
Appropriation, and Currency.
Tinubu contested and won the election as the two-term Governor of Lagos State, from 1999 to 2007.
There is no doubt that his dexterity, temerity, and strategy leveraged him politically.
Tinubu pushed hard in 2006 to persuade former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to become the flagbearer of his party, the AC.
At the ideal time to merge the Nigerian opposition parties nationwide, Tinubu oversaw the bringing together of various political parties into a manageable whole.
He survived all of the difficulties and remained standing despite the risky actions, schemes, and turns that were made against him during the party’s early stages.
Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Pro-Democracy Exploits As a Senator in 1993, Bola Ahmed Tinubu steadfastly supported the restoration of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election. He rose to the top of the National Democratic Coalition
(NADECO), the pro-democracy organisation that opposed the military dictatorship until it was defeated.
Tinubu’s sacrifice and contributions to the pro-democracy struggle endeared him to the people, and formed the fulcrum of popular support that culminated in his emergence as Lagos State Governor in 1999.
He believes democracy is the best political system for serving the interests of most Nigerians.
Tinubu’s Political Ideals and Strategic Leadership Deportment Tinubu’s political archetypes elicit not just distinctiveness but also expounding and enrapturing.
He is not only a patriot, political trailblazer, and key stabilizer for Nigeria’s existing democratic system; he is also a detribalized Nigerian who has made a significant contribution to Lagos State and Nigeria as a whole.
He is a fearless political strategist of the highest kind, as well as a charming and servant leader.
He exemplifies a true guy who grins when he is troubled, and while others cry, he seeks a solution.
One of Tinubu’s distinctive leadership qualities is his natural capacity to wear a thick skin towards rumor mongering.
Despite the arrogant allegations swirling around him, Asiwaju is as humble as a worm. He exchanges ideas with his subordinates and yields to superior arguments.
This led to new vocabulary in our politics and birthed the splitting of votes between “Obasanjo for president” and “Aremu Isale”. Tinubu was able to read between the lines and rebuffed the antics of Obasanjo.
Because of his influence, pure wit, steadfast dedication to democratic principles, and economic prosperity, one of his silent political achievements was the retention of the ACN emblem, “the broom,” for APC.
Over the past two decades, he has ascended to become the generalissimo of Nigerian politics.
He is a calculative and determined philanthropist who helps the needy.
It is no coincidence that he was installed as Asiwaju of Lagos (meaning’ leader’ in the Yoruba language).
Tinubu’s Effective Political Communication and Legacy of Matchless Political Mentorship Asiwaju Tinubu’s foray into politics has also afforded him the opportunity to showcase his gift of persuasive public speaking.
Through rhetoric, style, persuasion and good delivery, “Emi l’okan” became a common slogan linked with Tinubu following his outburst on June 3rd, 2022.
He said that it was through his efforts that President Muhammadu Buhari was able to win the presidential election in 2015 after previously failing three times.
Mentorship is the process through which a more experienced, talented, and usually elderly individual passes on his experience, skills, knowledge, and so on to the younger generation. A mentor is someone who teaches or provides assistance and advice to an inexperienced, often younger individual (Merriam-Webster, n.d.).
Tinubu’s capacity to generate human capital is unrivaled, and there is empirical evidence of his mentees dispersed all over Nigeria. Arguably, the Yoruba leaders have purposefully built people’, sowed the seeds, and nurtured them until they matured into shrewd politicians.
Other political hussars and men at arms of the APC include Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the Minister of Information, and Mr. Babatunde Fowler, the former Executive Chairman of the Federal Board of Inland Revenue.
Despite Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to democracy and his overt penchant for good governance as showcased, he is often accused of political arrogance. Mr. Sunday Dare was mentored by Jagaban, who appointed him as his aide and eventually supported him to become a minister.
Chief Rauf Aregbesola was a greenhorn in politics, but he is now the Minister of Interior.
The sources of his vast riches have for long been the subject of speculation and attacks.
And many of his critics have come to see his brand of politics as a type that was borne more out of personal gain than any other. During the #Endsars protest, he was unjustly accused of sending soldiers to attack protesters.
CHAPTER FIVE
Administration of Lagos under Asiwaju Bola Tinubu
Abolade Adeniji Ph.D,
Department of History and International Studies Lagos State University, Ojoo, Lagos
Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu was the Governor of Lagos State for eight years.
His administration saw the socio-economic transformation of the state and a consistent push for the expansion of the frontiers.
The socio-economic existence of Lagos on the eve of Tinubu’s takeover of the reins of government was frighteningly grim.
The new governor, nevertheless, came prepared.
He had worked with reputable firms such as Arthur Andersen, Deloitte Haskins & Sells, and Mobil.
Tax Reform
The Lagos State Tax Board was modernized with the introduction of an electronic payment system, which eliminated face-to-face interaction.
Tax compliance among large companies in Lagos rose from 30 t 40% at the beginning of the reform to 80% in 2005.
In constant 2012 prices, tax revenue increased from N49 billion (about $310m) in 2003 to N117bn (roughly $746m) by 2007.
Lagos under Bola Tinubu inherited a city consumed by filth.
The potential for the outbreak of an epidemic was a constant threat.
New agencies were created to address issues of waste disposal, migration, urban health care, transportation, and challenges associated with an ever-increasing population. Some of the roads and bridges upgraded during the Bola Tinubu administration in Lagos include Broad Street/Lagos Western Outer Ring Road/Marina/Third Mainland ramp; Nnamdi Azikiwe/Carter Bridge/Ereko Martins/Balogun; and Idumagbo/third Mainland Bridge.
Millions of people received free malaria treatment.
Housing
The Inauguration of Lagos State Development and Property Corporation (LSDPC) and the Lagos State Building and Investment Corporation (LBIC) led to the completion of the moribund Michael Otedola Low Income Housing Estate and the erection of Abraham Adesanya Housing Estate.
Education
The annual “One-Day Governor” event was introduced to encourage young scholars to excel in their academic work. The “Spelling Bee” state-wide competition was also designed to achieve a similar purpose: a huge injection of funds into tertiary institutions with a view to improving their dilapidated infrastructure.
Expansion of the Frontiers of Federalism
Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been remarkably consistent in his belief in and advocacy of federalism since his ingress into Nigeria’s political arena.
The opportunity to put his belief into practice presented itself when he emerged as the Governor of Lagos State.
His administration
initiated numerous legal actions to contest the lopsided nature of the 1999 Constitution.
Tinubu’s creation of 37 local governments was in contravention of Section 162(8) of the 1999 Constitution.
The LGAs were inchoate in view of the fact that the names and locations of the newly created councils had not been forwarded to the National Assembly for ratification.
Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Leadership Style: An Analysis
Bola Tinubu rose to national prominence as a result of his role in the struggle for the revalidation of the June 12, 1993 election annulled by General Babangida.
His foray into politics has elicited some controversy about his family background and educational attainments.
Tinubu’s empowerment of area boys must be seen as part of the strategy of constructing a formidable power base ever available in times of need.
The crowning glory of his reign was the way he single-handedly succeeded in installing Babatunde Fashola as his successor.
In conclusion, this chapter examines the years of Bola Tinubu as Governor of Lagos between 1999 and 2007.
It shows that these years witnessed the laying of the foundation for a new Lagos.
His administration impacted positively in the areas of education, health, infrastructure, tax reform, and empowerment.
CHAPTER SIX
Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC)
‘Dele Ashiru, PhD
Department of Political Science, University of Lagos
The struggle for the de-annulment of the 1993 presidential election won by Bashorun M.K.O. Abiola brought together some eminent and distinguished personalities. One of the most energetic and enigmatic of them is Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Apart from being hounded by the Abacha military Junta, he was exiled from the country. Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu was the driving force behind the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nigeria. The then ruling Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) had little or no record of responsible and responsive governance to show for it. Party Politics: Alliances, Coalitions and Mergers
A political party is the coming together of a group of people who share similar political beliefs, ideology, and goals. Section 222 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) specifies the conditions under which an association can function as a political party. A political party presents the electorate with options of candidates and programmes to choose from and helps to decide which party or coalition of parties should govern for a fixed number of years. Political parties help to articulate and aggregate the interests of various groups of people in society. They provide information to the masses on important and current issues in the country. They help in the formation of a government with a definite political agenda for the people. And they also provide healthy opposition to the ruling party, which creates room for good governance.
A party merger refers to a situation where two or more political parties agree to consolidate their operations. Reasons why political parties merge may include: vote maximization; similarity in public policy or party ideology; rebranding of a waning party image; and sometimes to ward off undesirable or disgruntled elements or ideas from the party. Political parties are indispensable organizations in liberal multi-party electoral systems. This has been al. (2005) when they opine: without political parties, voters would emphasized by Janda confront a bewildering array of self-nominated candidates, each seeking votes on the basis of personal friendships, celebrity status, or name recognition.
Perspectives on Merger of Political Parties in Nigeria
Nigeria’s political parties are deeply divided on ethnic and regional lines. Political power at the centre was used to settle ethnic, religious, and regional scores. The 1959 elections were inconclusive and there was no clear-cut winner. This paved the way for the formation of a
coalition government. In 1979 and 1983, there were attempts by the opposing political parties to merge. These parties came together to form the People’s Progressive Alliance (PPA). The alliance, however, failed due to the inability of the merging parties to agree on fundamental issues. In 1999, three political parties were registered to contest the 1999 General Elections. In 2003, the AD and ANPP forged an alliance aimed at defeating the PDP in the presidential election to be held that year. The alliance was not strong enough to unseat the ruling PDP. In the 2007 General Election, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu led the rebranding of the AD into the
Action Congress. Asiwaju Bola Tinubu led the formation of another party through the merger of some political parties in the build up to the 2011 General Elections. The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) was an offshoot of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) and the Congress for
Progressive Change (CPC).
Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and the Formation of APC Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been a key figure in the formation of the All Progressives Party (APC) since the return to civilian rule in 1999. The mismanagement of the economy occasioned by unbridled and wanton corruption under the PDP provided the enabling environment for the coalescing of parties to form the APC. The All Progressives Congress (APC) was formed on the 2nd of February, 2013 in the build up to the much anticipated 2015 general elections. The party is the result of a merger of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP), and Democratic People’s Party (DPP). The All Progressives Congress (APC) gained approval from the nation’s electoral umpire, INEC, on July 31st, 2013 to become a political party. But, given the nature of Nigeria’s politics, there were concerted efforts to thwart the registration of the APC. The All Progressives Congress adopted “Change” as its central campaign theme. The party won the 2015 presidential election with President Muhammadu Buhari as its flagbearer. Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu played a major role in the selection of the party’s Vice Presidential candidate.
Tinubu’s political exploits began with the struggle for the de-annulment of the 1993 presidential election. He led the party through several metamorphoses before spearheading the formation of the APC. Tinubu is a master strategist and enigmatic politician, whose model is to nurture and encourage younger politicians. Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has consistently reminded the party of these lofty ideals. Consequently, he underscored the need for the party (APC) to perfect its internal processes so that it keeps faith with the progressive purpose for which it was founded.
CHAPTER SEVEN
Tinubu and the 2015 and 2019 Presidential Elections
Azeez Olaniyan
Department of Political Science Federal University, Oye Ekiti
In 2015, the All Progressives Congress (APC) made history on two fronts. It became the first political party to defeat a ruling party in Nigeria. The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) was thoroughly trounced in the governorship, national, and state assembly elections. In 2015 and 2019, the APC defeated the PDP in both presidential elections. This demonstrates that the APC was no longer a coincidental phenomenon and has remained a dominant party. One of the significant forces was Ahmed Bola Tinubu, who played a strategic role in the two presidential elections won by the party.
This chapter extensively discussed the roles and contributions of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu in the victories recorded by the APC and party in the 2015 and 2019 presidential elections. It was argued that he worked assiduously to position his party to position its candidates for victory.
Conceptual and Historical Contexts
Azeez Olaniran writes on the heuristic framework of party merger and the five-factor model of personality. He argues that a successful merger depends mainly on the socioeconomic environment, party system, electoral rule, electoral support, incumbency, leadership attitudes, and nature of each party. Extraversion, extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, emotional stability, and openness have a lot to do with the success of a political actor at the polls. A leader who will motivate people to vote for their party must be sociable, energetic, charismatic, emotionally stable, humane, daring, and disciplined. The first case of alliance building in
Nigeria’s political history was recorded at independence. The Northern People’s Congress (NPC) won 142 seats, the NCNC got 89 seats, and the Action Group had 73 seats. Nnamdi Azikiwe of NCNC clinched the Presidency, while Abubakar Tafawa Balewa of NPC took the post of Prime Minister.
In the 1979 general elections, six political parties were formed and all jostled to take over power from the military. Shehu Shagari of NPN emerged victorious and formed the government at the centre. However, allegations of widespread corruption and incompetence against the ruling party fueled opposition parties’ desire to form a grand coalition. The Fourth Republic took off with
some forms of party alliance building. The 1999 presidential election that ushered in the republic was a contest between Chief Olusegun Obasanjo of the PDP and a coalition of two other parties.
In 2007, the Action Congress (AC) was formed but had little impact in the presidential election. The success of APC as a party proves the veracity of heuristics and Big Five perspectives. The deteriorating living conditions of most Nigerians in 2013 made the ruling PDP most unpopular. Muhammadu Buhari and Bola Tinubu were two team leaders who projected a larger-than-life image.
Contributions to 2015 and 2019 Elections
Tinubu’s pre-election activities were the most prominent in the public domain. These included convincing Buhari to put his hat into the ring once again, ensuring the party primary was brought to his domain. Tinubu also led the campaign, mobilising funds and poaching opposition political figures.
Convincing Buhari to run once again Muhammadu Buhari is undoubtedly the most popular personality in the country’s Northern region. During his previous four attempts at the presidency, he had enjoyed the massive support of the masses. His nemesis had always been the establishment that saw him as a threat to its hegemonic hold.
Poaching of Opposition Political Actors
The defection of key stalwarts from the PDP to the APC was a major contributory factor in the APC’s victory in 2015. Bola Tinubu was central to the coming of the nPDP and alluded to this by saying: “Thirty-six minus 16 is equal to X, and if X is greater than 16, suggest the answer.”
Changing the Convention Venue
The APC presidential primary saw the emergence of five major contenders – Muhammadu Buhari, Atiku Abubakar, Azez Olaniran, Rabiu Kwankwanso, Rochas Okorocha, and Sam Nda Isaiah. Each had their own supporters within the party, and all schemed to ensure victory.
Buhari’s Emergence as the Candidate
Bola Tinubu rallied the southwest states to deliver their delegates to Buhari. The southwest zone had become the bride for the APC, and the direction of the zone would determine the winner. The zone was a beautiful bride because it brought the highest number of governors to the merger and thus had an increased number of delegates.
Repackaging of Buhari as a Candidate
After the emergence of Buhari as the candidate, the task of selling him to the electorate became a primary task. Tinubu assisted in the repackaging by bringing in a public relations consultant that handled Barack Obama’s presidential campaign in the US. The efforts of the consultant proved effective in changing the narrative.
Mobilisation of Funds
He knew where and how to raise the funds needed to mobilise support for his party’s candidate. Political parties require funds to maintain offices, pay overhead costs, and prosecute cases. He was instrumental in funding mobilization to meet these activities, such as payment of party agents and other logistics.
Sacrifice of Ambition
Tinubu’s decision to back Muhammadu Buhari and Yemi Osinbajo was based on the party’s interest and not because he wanted to be president of the country. This was demonstrated when he gave up his ambition to be vice president for the greater good of the party.
Emergence of Yemi Osinbajo as Vice-President
Osinbajo was an excellent choice who appealed to both Christian and intellectual groups (he was a clergyman). He contributed significantly to the success recorded by the party in the 2015 and 2019 presidential elections. As a Muslim, he could not pair with Buhari, who had been cast in the image of a religious fanatic by the southern-dominated press.
Rallying the Southwest for Buhari
In 2015, Tinubu used his political influence to sway votes for the APC in the crucial 2015 elections in the region. The southwest was mobilised to vote massively for President Muhammadu Buhari. A comparison of the figures in 2011 and 2015 will show more impact.
Table 1: Comparison of Buhari performance in southwest, 2011, 2015 and 2019
Buhari
(CPC, 2011)
Ekiti
Lagos
Ogun
Ondo
Osun
Oyo
Source: INEC
2,689
189,983
17,654
11,890
6,997
92,396
Buhari (APC, 2015)
120,331
792,460
308,290
299,889
383,603
528,620
Buhari (APC, 2019)
16
219,231
580,825
281,762
241,769
341,634
365,229
Strategic Thinking and Operation
They included: campaigning in all geopolitical zones of the federation and gathering massive votes from President Muhammadu Buhari’s strongholds. And nowhere was the strategy worked harder than in the southeast, where the APC made sure that outrageous figures were not declared for the PDP.
Strategic Thinking and Operation
They included: campaigning in all geopolitical zones of the federation and gathering massive
votes from President Muhammadu Buhari’s strongholds. And nowhere was the strategy
worked harder than in the southeast, where the APC made sure that outrageous figures were
not declared for the PDP.
Leading the Presidential Campaigns
In Nigeria, political parties devote a considerable amount of money to campaigns. The campaign was one of the significant events in the 2015 pre-election activities. Different actors participated in the campaign, but Bola Tinubu loomed large as the motivator and leader. After his victory in 2015, there were allegations of sidelining and abandonment. Azeez Olaniran was first appointed head of a reconciliation committee to pacify aggrieved party members and later chosen by President Muhammadu Buhari to lead the 2019 presidential campaign. Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, my co-chairman, will be fully in charge and is going to be on a 24hour vigil. The President practically left the campaign for Tinubu to handle while he faced governance. He led the party campaigns in all the states and was on the podium singing and dancing to sell the party. During a visit to Kano in 2018, he publicly endorsed the second term bid of Governor Ganduje.
Weathering the Storm
Tinubu expended significant energy, resources, and time to ensure APC victory in the 2015 and 2019 elections. He volunteered to ensure Buhari’s victory after three attempts when he had already given up hope. The APC leadership sidelined him after each win and attempted to whittle down his influence. A victory for the APC would boost its standing in the southwest political zone and throughout the country. In investing in the APC, it is evident that Tinubu has his eyes on the future. The ambition to become the President of Nigeria has been on the burner for a long time.
Leading the Presidential Campaigns
In Nigeria, political parties devote a considerable amount of money to campaigns. The campaign was one of the significant events in the 2015 pre-election activities. Different actors
participated in the campaign, but Bola Tinubu loomed large as the motivator and leader. After his victory in 2015, there were allegations of sidelining and abandonment. Azeez Olaniran was first appointed head of a reconciliation committee to pacify aggrieved party members and later chosen by President Muhammadu Buhari to lead the 2019 presidential campaign. Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, my co-chairman, will be fully in charge and is going to be on a 24hour vigil. The President practically left the campaign for Tinubu to handle while he faced governance. He led the party campaigns in all the states and was on the podium singing and dancing to sell the party. During a visit to Kano in 2018, he publicly endorsed the second term bid of Governor Ganduje.
Weathering the Storm
Tinubu expended significant energy, resources, and time to ensure APC victory in the 2015 and 2019 elections. He volunteered to ensure Buhari’s victory after three attempts when he had already given up hope. The APC leadership sidelined him after each win and attempted to whittle down his influence. A victory for the APC would boost its standing in the southwest political zone and throughout the country. In investing in the APC, it is evident that Tinubu has his eyes on the future. The ambition to become the President of Nigeria has been on the burner for a long time.
CHAPTER EIGHT
“Emi L’okan”: Politics of the APC Presidential Primary Election
Victor A.O. Adetula, PhD
Department of Political Science, University of Jos, Jos.
Analysis of the ruling APC’s presidential primary election provides insights into how elite members appropriate, accumulate, structure, legitimate, and reproduce power in Nigeria. The absence of ideological conflicts constrains the development of issue-based electoral politics. In Nigeria, the political power struggle is focused primarily on personalities, ethnic groups, and geopolitical zones. Political activities are best managed effectively through appropriate and relevant formal institutions. Efforts need to be made to activate and support the formal institutions to work effectively. An effective conflict management mechanism is needed to address issues related to internal governance and power struggles within the party that may negatively impact national politics. Some have accused Senator Tinubu of using unorthodox
means to emasculate the Igbo voters (population) in Lagos. There is a need to strategically assuage the fears of Christians and dismiss the possible fear of discrimination on the grounds of religious faith. It may be challenging to get adequate material evidence to prove cases of vote buying and other forms of abuse of money during the APC presidential primaries. Money politics is closely associated with godfather politics, for which there is no effective check in the country’s legal and institutional framework for election management and administration.
The processes and outcomes of the recently concluded election primaries have taught scholars and analysts to focus more on the broader context of Nigerian electoral politics. In this chapter, the conceptualization of the Nigerian federation is represented as an essential background variable for a useful analysis of the struggle for power in the country. The emergence of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the All People’s Congress (APC) presidential nominee is discussed in this chapter without discounting his personality traits and attributes, political sagacity, bargaining power, and mastery of the Nigerian political landscape. These factors are acknowledged and analysed as opportunities and constraints in the struggle for power among the Nigerian elites. Tinubu’s Emi l’okan speech articulates a fact of Nigeria’s political reality in terms of the division along the lines of ethnicity, religion, and region and the struggle for political power by the elites. For example, many Igbo elites from South Eastern Nigeria have demanded that the residential ticket be zoned to the East. The Igbo have been the loudest voice in the agitation for representation at the highest level of government. Other regional groups, notably the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) and Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), reacted to the demand by the Igbo. The political settlement, including the rotating presidency between
North and South through zoning, waned gradually.
In addition to the drama and theatrics of the APC primaries, there have been other developments in the Nigerian political landscape. These include President Buhari’s matching order to all the ministers with political ambition to resign their appointments. The Ekiti and Osun elections were marred by electoral fraud, mainly vote-buying. The concept of political succession is adopted in this chapter to analyse the primary presidential election of the ruling APC. Political succession is of particular importance to us in Africa in many respects. It is “bydefinition, central to the quality of civil rule and its long-term sustainability”. Not even the
African Union (AU) policy against unconstitutional changes in government has effectively checked the illegal elongation of tenures by incumbents. The closest thing to a term of office crisis was the alleged President Olusegun Obasanjo’s third term bid, which he denied severally.
Political parties in Nigeria generally lack adequate resources, skilled and competent staff, and the required organizational capacity. Most political parties manifest problems associated with the lack of internal democracy in their structures and operations. One common trend is the results by declaration’ culture, where the caucus nullifies primary elections and gives automatic tickets to popular candidates. In the US, where the primary election system is used for national and sub-national elections, selected delegates are made to attend a national convention, where they vote for the candidate of their choice. Primaries do not lead to the election of political novices since the delegates are likely to select the most experienced candidates. Nigeria’s succession politics has been further complicated by the country’s weak party system and the nature and character of the political class. In the Second Republic, the ruling National Party of Nigeria (NPN) adopted the principle of zoning the presidential candidacy to allow it to rotate between the north and south. The two presidential primaries took place in 1992; the first was abandoned, and the second, Victor A. O Adetula 155, attempt was aborted. In 1993, new presidential primaries were conducted but were characterized by electoral malpractices. Eventually, the presidential election was held on June 12th, 1993.
However, the process that produced Bashorun M.K.O. Abiola was annulled. Decline of PDP and Emergence of APC
There are eighteen registered political parties in Nigeria. The PDP and APC are the two most visible parties. Both have formed governments following their victories in the presidential elections. The APC came to power after defeating the PDP, which had formed the first government after civil rule in 1999. Since taking over power in 2015, the APC has remained the ruling party at the national level. Adams Oshiomhole was kicked out when the party was in a deep organizational crisis. President Buhari intervened to resolve crises that would have torn the party apart. The ruling APC partly resolved its party leadership succession issues by holding a national convention. But the outcomes of the convention left many in doubt as to the party’s commitment to liberal democracy. The intense internal politics within the APC revealed its fragility and the weakness of its structures.
Despite the emergence of new leadership favored by the Buhari presidency, the ruling APC’s internal politics did not abate. The self-preservation politics of the APC governors and their adverse effects on the party’s internal governance, organizational efficiency, performance, and output were pronounced.
Party Presidential Primary Election
The 2022 Electoral Act regulates Nigeria’s Federal, State, and Area Council elections. It repeals
the Electoral Act No. 6, 2010, and brings innovations to the conduct of elections in the country. The Commission has recorded significant improvements in its performance concerning preparations for the 2023 general elections. The APC was not at its best in the management of time for the conduct of its primaries. On May 26, 2022, the party conducted only its primaries for
African Union (AU) policy against unconstitutional changes in government has effectively
checked the illegal elongation of tenures by incumbents. The closest thing to a term of office crisis was the alleged President Olusegun Obasanjo’s third term bid, which he denied severally.
Political parties in Nigeria generally lack adequate resources, skilled and competent staff, and the required organizational capacity. Most political parties manifest problems associated with the lack of internal democracy in their structures and operations. One common trend is the results by declaration’ culture, where the caucus nullifies primary elections and gives automatic tickets to popular candidates. In the US, where the primary election system is used for national and sub-national elections, selected delegates are made to attend a national convention, where they vote for the candidate of their choice. Primaries do not lead to the election of political novices since the delegates are likely to select the most experienced candidates. Nigeria’s succession politics has been further complicated by the country’s weak party system and the nature and character of the political class. In the Second Republic, the ruling National Party of Nigeria (NPN) adopted the principle of zoning the presidential candidacy to allow it to rotate between the north and south. The two presidential primaries took place in 1992; the first was abandoned, and the second, Victor A. O Adetula 155, attempt was aborted. In 1993, new presidential primaries were conducted but were characterized by electoral malpractices. Eventually, the presidential election was held on June 12th, 1993.
However, the process that produced Bashorun M.K.O. Abiola was annulled.
Decline of PDP and Emergence of APC
There are eighteen registered political parties in Nigeria. The PDP and APC are the two most visible parties. Both have formed governments following their victories in the presidential elections. The APC came to power after defeating the PDP, which had formed the first government after civil rule in 1999. Since taking over power in 2015, the APC has remained the ruling party at the national level. Adams Oshiomhole was kicked out when the party was in a deep organizational crisis. President Buhari intervened to resolve crises that would have torn the party apart. The ruling APC partly resolved its party leadership succession issues by holding a national convention. But the outcomes of the convention left many in doubt as to the party’s
commitment to liberal democracy. The intense internal politics within the APC revealed its
fragility and the weakness of its structures.
Despite the emergence of new leadership favored by the Buhari presidency, the ruling APC’s internal politics did not abate. The self-preservation politics of the APC governors and their adverse effects on the party’s internal governance, organizational efficiency, performance, and output were pronounced.
Party Presidential Primary Election
The 2022 Electoral Act regulates Nigeria’s Federal, State, and Area Council elections. It repeals the Electoral Act No. 6, 2010, and brings innovations to the conduct of elections in the country.
The Commission has recorded significant improvements in its performance concerning preparations for the 2023 general elections. The APC was not at its best in the management of time for the conduct of its primaries. On May 26, 2022, the party conducted only its primaries for the House of Representatives, Houses of Assembly, and Gubernatorial positions. The Senatorial primaries and the screening of presidential aspirants were still outstanding.
Section 84(12) of the Electoral Act prescribes the direct, indirect, and consensus modes of holding a party primary. The ruling APC adopted an indirect primary to allow delegates across the country to participate in the primaries to elect the party’s flagbearers in the 2023 general election. Some of the original 28 aspirants withdrew their candidacies and forfeited their initial deposits. Most aspirants thought President Buhari had the last say on who would succeed him.
The absence of ideological debate among the aspirants constrained the development of issue- based engagements with party delegates. Tinubu scored 1,271 votes to win the presidential primary of the ruling APC by a landslide, defeating twenty-two other aspirants. President Buhari told the 14 APC Governors of the Northern states that he had “no preferred candidate” and had “anointed no one”. The performances of Pastor Tunde Bakare, Senator Rochas Okorocha, Jack Rich, and Ikeobasi Mokelu left most people wondering why they decided to invest that much in the bid for the APC presidential nominee. Their speeches were outpours of collective disappointment at the leadership of the APC for the nonconsideration of an Igbo presidency. Asiwaju Tinubu may not have the mystique status of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo or the cult image of former President Obasanjo, but he is well-respected among the Yoruba. He earned respect through the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) activities, with which he was associated prominently. Asiwaju Tinubu has successfully built a political bridge across the River Niger by deliberately reaching out to political elites in the country’s northern parts. Beyond the South West, he has pulled together some politicians, businessmen, and businesswomen into a network of loyalists and supporters. There is a strong linkage between personality and electoral victory. A charismatic leader with pronounced emotional intelligence will most likely make a significant impact during the electoral contest. Asiwaju Tinubu’s charismatic personality worked for him more than any of the APC aspirants. The State
Governors have overwhelmingly influenced the country’s electoral politics. the House of Representatives, Houses of Assembly, and Gubernatorial positions. The Senatorial primaries and the screening of presidential aspirants were still outstanding.
Section 84(12) of the Electoral Act prescribes the direct, indirect, and consensus modes of holding a party primary. The ruling APC adopted an indirect primary to allow delegates across the country to participate in the primaries to elect the party’s flagbearers in the 2023 general election. Some of the original 28 aspirants withdrew their candidacies and forfeited their initial deposits. Most aspirants thought President Buhari had the last say on who would succeed him.
The absence of ideological debate among the aspirants constrained the development of issue- based engagements with party delegates. Tinubu scored 1,271 votes to win the presidential primary of the ruling APC by a landslide, defeating twenty-two other aspirants. President Buhari
told the 14 APC Governors of the Northern states that he had “no preferred candidate” and had “anointed no one”. The performances of Pastor Tunde Bakare, Senator Rochas Okorocha, Jack Rich, and Ikeobasi Mokelu left most people wondering why they decided to invest that much in the bid for the APC presidential nominee. Their speeches were outpours of collective disappointment at the leadership of the APC for the non-consideration of an Igbo presidency.
Asiwaju Tinubu may not have the mystique status of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo or the cult image of former President Obasanjo, but he is well-respected among the Yoruba. He earned respect through the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) activities, with which he was associated prominently. Asiwaju Tinubu has successfully built a political bridge across the River Niger by deliberately reaching out to political elites in the country’s northern parts.
Beyond the South West, he has pulled together some politicians, businessmen, and businesswomen into a network of loyalists and supporters. There is a strong linkage between personality and electoral victory. A charismatic leader with pronounced emotional intelligence will most likely make a significant impact during the electoral contest. Asiwaju Tinubu’s charismatic personality worked for him more than any of the APC aspirants. The State Governors have overwhelmingly influenced the country’s electoral politics.
CHAPTER NINE
Challenges before Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the Presidential Candidate of the APC
Kayode Saliu & Akinbode Olushola
Federal College of Education, Abeokuta
This chapter is devoted to examining some of the challenges that the emergence of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu as a candidate for the APC has thrown up. Some of the issues that could make his chances in the election even brighter are discussed.
Temptation is to conclude that Asiwaju Bola Tinubu will have an easy ride in the 2023 presidential election. Whoever is a candidate in the election needs to continue to work hard before the election. This chapter attempts to examine some of the challenges that the APC candidate needs to consider and work on.
An Analysis of the Challenges
1. Fall out of the APC Presidential Primaries
After the primaries, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu visited his fellow contestants to seek their support for the victory of the party at the polls. There is a disturbing level of silence or indifference from some of them towards the main task of winning the presidential election for the APC.
2. Aggrieved Party Members/Loyalists
With much at stake, some of the feathers that were roughened need to be straightened. No one prays to lose a friend, more so a loyalist. In politics, the question about who is right or wrong is irrelevant. What is more important is to have all hands on deck. There are other aggrieved members of the party across the country. The weight of the crisis may drive away some votes that ordinarily should be for APC in the elections. There is no need to belabor the point that there are many disagreements in the party that need to be resolved.
3. Language of Communication Asiwaju Bola Tinubu is an aspirant for the highest office in the land (to be the president of then country). Everything about his communication with the larger Nigerian society must be measured. Navigating through all the political landmines would require professionalism and political sagacity.
4. Record of Performance
How to drive away those who want to draw a wedge between them is a challenge which the presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu, must watch out for. The option of accepting liability has the potential of driving away some important supporters, and trying to extricate himself from it is also dangerous.
5. The Youth Dimension
There is a general feeling that the increase in the number of new voters has been brought about by young people. The APC needs to carry the battle to their familiar terrain – social media. They must be made to see Bola Tinubu’s victory as their own political victory.
6. Co-ordination of Efforts There is no need to respond to all issues, but be selective in what they respond to.
Controversial matters can at best be ignored, while efforts are geared towards substantial issues. The media handlers of the Jagaban should note that they are out to attract votes for their principal.
7. The Angles of the National Economy and Insecurity Clear understanding, tact, and forward-looking thoughts are definitely required for Asiwaju Bola Tinubu to walk through these issues. What ideas will he come up with? How are they going to resonate with Nigerians who are troubled by it? These are challenges he faces as he braces for his presidential campaign.
8. Nigeria and the Rest of the World
Nigeria is in a relationship with the rest of the world. Its economy provides a lifeline to some economies in the West African sub-region. Traditional allies in the West are keenly watching the political temperature in Nigeria. Many more international relations issues will be raised during the campaigns.
CHAPTER TEN
Conclusion: Lessons of Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Politics
Hassan A Saliu Ph.D
Department of Political Science, Universisity of Ilorin, Ilorin
It is befitting to conclude this book by drawing some lessons from the politics of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the benefit of other Nigerian politicians. This can be viewed from his doggedness, sagacity, endurance, and strategy that up till this moment have paid off. In politics, as in other vocations, there are bound to be tribulations and only a man or woman who can go through them can tell the story after being successful. Patience, perseverance, and endurance are lessons from Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s political trajectory. In 1992, the ambition of Bola Tinubu was to be the President of the Senate after winning a senatorial seat in Lagos. He was on that project when Chief Mashood Abiola entered the presidential race and emerged as flagbearer of the SDP. In politics, one must have moral capital before he can reap from it.
In 1993, Asiwaju dropped his ambition to become Senate President to allow Chief M.K.O. Abiola to run for the presidency. In 2014, after the APC presidential primaries in Lagos, he nominated Professor Yemi Osinbajo for the position. Asiwaju’s political history offers lessons for young politicians who desire to achieve their political ambitions in the immediacy without adequate consideration for the greater good. In 2015, Jagaban rebuffed all pressures to stand with Muhammadu Buhari in the presidential election, but he would continue to support him in 2019.
In the build-up to the 2015 presidential election, Bola Tinubu rejected all attempts to get him to withdraw from candidate Buhari. He saw through the scheme that was informed by the need for the president to have a home base. His refusal to acquiesce to the scheme cultivated the ground for his political relevance today. When the Alliance for Democracy (AD)’s disagreement came up over the choice of a presidential candidate for the party between Chief Bola Ige and Chief Olu Falae in 1998, Tinubu opted for the former. It was a political risk for him to have broken out of
AD at that point in time, but he survived it. Asiwaju Tinubu had been preparing himself for the APC presidential primary long before it was held. As a strategist, he knew what button to press and what concessions to make on the issue. Being the president of Nigeria has always been his life-long ambition, justifying his description as a long-distance runner.
Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s political life has revealed this dimension of politics. He has been betrayed, disappointed, misrepresented, and petitioned against, but he remains undaunted. This type of attitude is rare among our politicians, as only a few have displayed it. Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has seen all aspects of Nigeria’s politics; the good, the bad, and the ugly. He will be expected to
