Bola Ahmed Tinubu, popularly known as “Jagaban,” is the 16th President of Nigeria since the country gained independence in 1960. He was sworn in on May 29, 2023, after winning the 2023 presidential election under the All Progressives Congress (APC). But who exactly is Bola Ahmed Tinubu? What was his life like before politics, and why is he considered one of Nigeria’s most influential politicians?
Early Life and Education
Bola Ahmed Tinubu was born on March 29, 1952, in Lagos State, although there are controversies regarding his actual birth year and birthplace. He pursued his education in the United States, attending Richard J. Daley College and later Chicago State University, where he graduated with a degree in Accounting in 1979.
Banking Career and Entry into Politics
After completing his studies, Tinubu worked at several top financial institutions in the United States, including Arthur Andersen, Deloitte, Haskins & Sells, and GTE Services Corporation. Upon returning to Nigeria in 1983, he joined Mobil Oil Nigeria, where he made a significant impact before venturing into politics.
In 1992, he officially entered politics and was elected as Senator representing Lagos West under the Social Democratic Party (SDP) during the military rule of Ibrahim Babangida (IBB).
Tinubu’s Role in Nigeria’s Democratic Struggle
Following the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, which was won by Moshood Abiola (MKO Abiola), Tinubu played a key role in the fight to restore democracy in Nigeria. His activism made him a target of the Sani Abacha military regime, forcing him into exile in the United States.
After Abacha’s death in 1998 and Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, Tinubu returned to the country to continue his political career.
Governor of Lagos State (1999–2007)
In 1999, Bola Ahmed Tinubu contested for the position of Governor of Lagos State under the Alliance for Democracy (AD) and won. During his tenure from 1999 to 2007, he focused on the development of Lagos, improving the economy, upgrading infrastructure, and addressing urban challenges like waste management and traffic congestion.
One of his most significant achievements was the establishment of the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS), which boosted the state’s revenue without relying heavily on federal allocations.
Tinubu’s Political Influence
After leaving office in 2007, Tinubu remained a dominant figure in Nigerian politics. He played a major role in founding the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), which later merged with other parties in 2013 to form the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In the 2015 presidential election, Tinubu was instrumental in Muhammadu Buhari’s victory over the incumbent president, Goodluck Jonathan. This marked the first time in Nigeria’s history that a sitting president lost an election.
The 2023 Presidential Election
After Buhari’s eight-year tenure, Tinubu declared his ambition to run for president in 2023 with the slogan “Emi lo kan” (meaning “It is my turn”), asserting that he was next in line for leadership.
In the February 25, 2023 election, Bola Ahmed Tinubu secured 8,794,726 votes, defeating his main rivals Atiku Abubakar (PDP) and Peter Obi (Labour Party).
Tinubu’s Presidency
Since assuming office on May 29, 2023, Tinubu has implemented several major reforms, including:
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Removal of fuel subsidies, which led to rising costs and nationwide protests.
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Unifying the naira exchange rate, impacting the forex market.
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Appointing new leaders across government agencies, including security chiefs.
Although his administration has faced criticism, especially regarding economic challenges and inflation, he continues to push for reforms aimed at revitalizing Nigeria.
Conclusion
Bola Ahmed Tinubu is one of Nigeria’s most influential politicians, playing a crucial role in the country’s political evolution from military rule to democracy. While he has both supporters and critics, his legacy in Nigerian history is undeniable. Only time will tell the full impact of his leadership on the nation.
