You may rate Tinubu low in governance, but when it comes to politics, it is difficult for any objective observer to rate him poorly.
Leaders like Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan rose to the presidency on a platter of gold. Late Umar Yar’Adua also became president with significant backing from Obasanjo. The case of late Muhammadu Buhari, however, is quite different. Buhari can be likened to Lionel Messi, he consistently attracted mass support effortlessly each time he contested, relying more on popular appeal than on building deep political structures.
Tinubu, on the other hand, resembles Cristiano Ronaldo, a figure who worked relentlessly to build his political relevance and dominance over time. At a time when he was expected to enjoy the kind of privilege that late Umaru Musa Yar’Adua had, he was instead faced with a predecessor who did not use his influence to help anyone win elections throughout his political career. Unlike Obasanjo, who played an active role in determining his successor, his predecessor showed little concern about who would take over after him. His journey dates back to his tenure as Gov of Lagos State, where he began laying the foundation of a long-term political structure.
Since leaving office, Tinubu has played a central role in producing multiple governors in Lagos State and beyond, particularly in the Southwest. Beyond that, he has influenced the emergence of a Vice President, ministers, members of the National Assembly, and even a Speaker, while not holding any political office.
Despite having opportunities to take up government appointments, he chose to remain in the background, allowing his proteges to rise. This reflects a deliberate long-term strategy aimed at positioning himself for the presidency. During the Buhari administration, he not only secured opportunities for his immediate allies but also for his media loyalists, many of whom were attached to federal appointees as aides.
This extensive network explains why he confidently declared “it’s my turn” during the 2023 presidential race. His protégés were already strategically positioned across key sectors, creating a support system capable of advancing his ambition and it paid off.
His rise was not without challenges. Like many politicians, he experienced betrayal along the way. However, his ability to navigate and overcome these setbacks distinguishes him from many of his contemporaries.
Tinubu’s emergence as president was not accidental, it was the result of long-term planning, calculated sacrifices, and strategic execution. For instance, during the APC presidential nomination process, he was reportedly out of the country, yet one of his loyalists, Hon. James Faleke, purchased and submitted the nomination form on his behalf an indication of the depth of loyalty within his camp.
Today, a trending question in political circles is: Who will succeed Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu? This question is trending because it concerns Lagos State. In many other states, the sitting governor typically determines their successor. However, Lagos operates differently due to Tinubu’s enduring influence. The process is more collective, often decided through internal consultations within his political structure.
If a situation like the disagreement between the Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had occurred in many other states, the Speaker would likely have been impeached immediately. However, the influence of Tinubu, a unifier figure, who resolved the conflict amicably, without any party resorting to the abuse of power against the other.
Despite this strong emphasis on loyalty, Lagos State continues to witness significant development more than many other states. This shows that loyalty, when properly managed, does not hinder development. Rather, it can foster unity, and unity promotes progress.
Even if Tinubu’s influence diminishes after his presidency, he will remain a defining political strategist in Nigeria. His achievements in building and sustaining a political network are unmatched in contemporary Nigerian politics. To date, i have not seen a politician attempting to replicate him, let alone surpassing him.
Indeed, he stands out as the best Strategist in Nigeria’s politics.
– Engr Ira Habib writes from Kogi State
irahabibabdulazeez@gmail.com
