The Political Journey of a Nigerian Icon and 16th President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
Bola Ahmed Tinubu, often referred to as Bola Tinubu or simply "The Jagaban," is a prominent Nigerian politician and a key figure in the country's political landscape. Born on March 29, 1952, in Lagos State, Nigeria, Tinubu's rise to power is a compelling story that spans several decades and is marked by political astuteness, strategic alliances, and significant contributions to Nigerian politics.
Tinubu began his political career in the late 1970s, joining the Social Democratic Party (SDP) during Nigeria's transition from military rule to civilian democracy. He quickly rose through the ranks within the party, earning a reputation as a shrewd and charismatic leader. Tinubu's political acumen and organizational skills became evident as he helped the SDP win several key positions in Lagos State during the 1992 local government elections.
However, his political ascent faced a significant setback in 1993 when the military regime of General Ibrahim Babangida annulled the presidential elections won by Chief Moshood Abiola, plunging Nigeria into a political crisis. Tinubu, like many other politicians, went into exile during the period of military rule that followed.
After several years abroad, Tinubu returned to Nigeria in 1998 following the death of General Sani Abacha and the subsequent transition to democracy under President Olusegun Obasanjo. In 1999, he co-founded the Alliance for Democracy (AD), a political party that emerged as a dominant force in the Southwest region of Nigeria, with Tinubu as one of its leading figures.
In 1999, Tinubu contested and won the gubernatorial election in Lagos State under the AD platform, becoming the Executive Governor of Lagos State. His tenure, which lasted from 1999 to 2007, was marked by significant achievements in infrastructure development, urban renewal, and social welfare programs. Tinubu's administration implemented reforms in various sectors, including transportation, healthcare, and education, earning him popularity and respect among Lagosians.
Tinubu's political influence extended beyond Lagos State. He played a pivotal role in the formation of the Action Congress (AC) in 2006, which later transformed into the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN). The party provided a platform for opposition politicians to challenge the ruling People's Democratic Party (PDP) at the national level.
In 2007, Tinubu handpicked his successor, Babatunde Fashola, who went on to win the Lagos State governorship election. This move showcased Tinubu's ability to consolidate power and groom a successor, solidifying his position as a political godfather in Nigerian politics.
Tinubu's influence continued to grow, and in 2013, he played a crucial role in the merger of major opposition parties, including the ACN, Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), and All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), to form the All Progressives Congress (APC). The APC presented a formidable challenge to the ruling PDP, and in 2015, its presidential candidate, Muhammadu Buhari, defeated the incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan.
Tinubu's role in the APC's victory further elevated his political status, earning him the reputation of being the party's national leader. His political machinery and grassroots support became instrumental in winning elections across various states in Nigeria.
Tinubu's political ambitions extended beyond Lagos State, and he has been widely speculated to have presidential aspirations. In the 2023 presidential election in Nigeria, Tinubu contested as the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC). However, he was defeated by the candidate of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), who polled more votes according to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) official results.
Throughout his political career, Tinubu has faced both praise and criticism. His supporters applaud his contributions to democracy, political astuteness, and development initiatives in Lagos State. On the other hand, his critics accuse him of political opportunism and alleged financial improprieties. Nonetheless, Tinubu remains a prominent and influential figure in Nigerian politics, with a significant impact on the country's political landscape
In 29 May, 2023, Bola Ahmed Tinubu become the 16th President of the federal republic of Nigeria.
