Theoretically speaking, the 2019 general elections averagely conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) which gave the incumbent President Muhammadu BuharI a second term of another four years should not be over celebrated by Nigerians. This is because, looking at it from a laysman’s eyes, Buhari has the back-up of strong-willed, popular and well-respected,politicians who control the medulla oblongata of their supporters even at the expense of the supporters’ wills. One of the pillars that supported the president and his second term ambitions firmly is Asiwau Bola Ahmed Tinubu, national leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Prior to the elections, the Jagaban of Borgu did all within his capacity to campaign vigorously for the President’s victory over his main and major opposition candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.
As the man in the face of this piece, Asiwaju Tinubu is being rumoured in certain segment of the country to be mulling the idea of gunning for the coveted number one seat of the Akinola Aguda House in Aso Rock, Abuja. Though, Asiwaju has not formally come out to declare to Nigerians his intention to run for the country’s number one plum job, the intensity with which many of his admirers and “haters” alike have been discussing and going about the issue have so far generated heated controversies and debates in the political space of the nation and beyond.
Recall that at the emergence of Nigeria’s nascent democracy back then in 1999, Asiwaju Tinubu was the only progressives governor in the entire South West and he faced a lot of discriminations most especially from the Olusegun Obasanjo-led Presidency. At a point, OBJ seized Lagos State revenue for years but Asiwaju devised alternative techniques to weather the storm of OBJ. He (Asiwaju) knew that Lagos State is like a country and could survive even without any support from the central. Asiwaju was able to stand firm on his decision never to dance to the tune of OBJ and his PDP cohorts who wanted to “control his mentality”. Won’t such a man with rare sterling political qualities and courageous leadership traits do better in Aso Rock if given a chance?
While many are confidently beating their chests that Asiwaju Tinubu would never think of contesting for the presidency, some Nigerians in their own best opinions believe that the 3rd democratically elected governor of the Centre of Excellence remains the best man for the job, if he decides to throw in his cap in the presidential battle ring come 2023 – this is if the presidency is zoned to the South West. However, judging by the public opinion and feelers being scooped from those in the know and close political watchers and strategists, Asiwaju Tinubu stands tall in overcoming all obstacles and rocks of Gibraltar that may stand his way during the 2023 polls. You may want to ask why? Well, one must not conclude on what perhaps may not be conclusive as yet; people should learn to belief in the policy of “never say never” in democracy or anything they do not have personal or direct control over in life.
To be candid, democracy is strictly about the game of electoral numbers and the votes and wishes of the majority and not the minority. That’s why it is often said that, in democracy, the minority will have their say, but the majority will always have their ways, except if it’s not under a free and fair electoral contest. If this statement above could be put into consideration, then Tinubu may emerge as Nigerian’s 14th President/Commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces….or he may not. If it is the wish of the Nigerian masses, most especially majority of eligible voters of the country that Bola Ahmed Tinubu is their desired candidate for the presidency, so shall it be.
Now, delving into some of the reasons why the anti-Tinubu campaigners are having a field day at different public fora; it must be said that a lot of his critics are of the view that age isn’t on the side of Tinubu whilst another cross-section are having issues with his massive albeit unclean wealth, exposure and socio-political sagacity which to them is purely Machiavellian. But the question that should be asked on this three attributes are, is age, wealth or political exposure of a man ever been part of the criteria that qualifies him or her for any electoral position. We usually define democracy as the government of the people, by the people and for the people; thereby nature, status and exposure have never been included in this globally popular definition.
If leadership is about the disadvantages of age, wealth and exposure before such person could be considered for public office, then United States President Donald Trump and some very old African leaders, doing so well in their countries today wouldn’t have been voted for by their people.
Be that as it may, those who do not want Tinubu to be Nigeria’s president come 2023 may also have their reasons. For instance, they perceive him not being a perfect man and with that squeaky clean image.Tinubu is generally believed to have amassed a huge fortune for himself from the coffers of Lagos state and other south-West States where he had planted governors in the past 12 years.
Most taxpayers in Lagos State are of the believe that the ex-governor had practically bought half of the state with his stupendous wealth. They also affirmed that Tinubu has pitched his “boys” and “girls” in powerful offices from Aso Rock, to the National Assembly, to state governments and States’ House of Assemblies and he’s using these men and women as cronies and uses them any time he so wishes. They also attest to the fact that Tinubu could conveniently get what he wants at the snapping of his fingers from the Presidency.
With all these, the Jagaban has cornered more than enough enemies in his political career, but still waxing stronger despite all his assumed flaws.
However,for all purpose and intent, what Nigerians in general should know is that democracy is the rule of what the majority wants and not what the minority feels. And at the end of the day, the will of the majority of the people might still not count through imperfect electoral system we deploy in this part of the world.
One must also add at this juncture that though Tinubu must have played several roles in the political past of Nigeria with his membership of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) where he fought assiduously with other democratic like-minded democrats for the return of the country to democratic rule before it’s realization in 1999, he might be in for a very serious and ‘dirty’ underground work to do if he truly wants to contest for the 2023 presidential elections despite his rich wealth of political experience, sagacity and leadership qualities (which must be seen as added advantages ).On several occasions, Tinubu has been compared with the likes of political and democratic legends like the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Owelle Nnamdi Azikiwe, Sir Aminu Kano and the late Bashorun MKO Abiola.
Whichever way the pendulum swings, political watchers and enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting 2023 general elections and just like ex-President Obasanjo would say, I Just Dey Siddon Look. Nigerians are sitting down, looking, gazing and following developments as regards the presidential ambition of Asiwau Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
- By Ireportnews
He has done a lot for this country, he’s a man I respect so much ,I wish him good luck if he so decides to run for the presidency but his success is tied to the success of this administration .