By Musa Bakare
Great leaders are often misunderstood before they are fully appreciated.
Visionaries are frequently judged by the storms they confront rather than by the enduring institutions they build.
Politics, at its highest level, is not merely the pursuit of popularity; it is the discipline of making difficult choices whose benefits may only become evident with time.
This enduring paradox surrounds President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Many of his critics speak with certainty, yet one must ask: How well do they truly understand the man? Do they know the strategist who, for more than three decades, has built political coalitions, nurtured leaders across party lines, and repeatedly demonstrated an uncommon ability to transform political adversity into opportunity? Do they grasp the philosophy of a leader whose political journey has been defined not by convenience, but by resilience, patience, courage, and strategic calculation?
Are they simply reacting to the daily noise of partisan politics mistaking temporary hardship for permanent failure and short term discomfort for long term decline?
The true measure of statesmanship is not the volume of criticism a leader attracts, but the courage with which they confront national challenges. Leadership often demands decisions that may be unpopular today but prove indispensable tomorrow.
History has consistently rewarded leaders who embraced difficult reforms instead of seeking easy applause.
Every nation reaches a defining moment when it must choose between temporary comfort and lasting transformation
Countries that continually postpone painful reforms often mortgage the future for the illusion of present stability.
Nigeria stands at such a historic crossroads.
Enduring transformation is born through seasons of testing.
Gold is refined by fire. Diamonds are formed under immense pressure. The eagle renews itself only through a painful process of change.
Nations often pass through periods of sacrifice before reaping the rewards of renewal.
Those who judge the process before its completion frequently misread history.
This is why wisdom cautions against pronouncing judgment before the final chapter has been written.
Criticism remains an indispensable pillar of democracy, and the media has a constitutional responsibility to scrutinise those in authority.
Opposition parties have every democratic right to challenge government policies and present alternative visions.
However, criticism alone does not constitute leadership, nor does relentless opposition automatically translate into electoral victory.
As Nigeria gradually approaches the 2027 presidential election, the debate must extend beyond television headlines, social media trends, and political rhetoric.
Elections are ultimately won through organisation, grassroots mobilisation, political structure, strategic alliances, performance, and the confidence of the electorate, not through media sensationalism or wishful thinking.
This is where many of President Tinubu’s critics underestimates him.
Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is not merely a candidate seeking a second term; he is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished political organisers in Nigeria’s democratic history.
His understanding of coalition building, electoral strategy, party management, and political negotiation has distinguished him throughout his career.
Those who believe that criticism from opposition figures or unfavourable media commentary alone will determine the outcome of the 2027 election may be overlooking the true dynamics of Nigerian politics.
Electoral success depends on the electorate, the strength of political organisation, voter mobilisation, effective campaigns, and the ability to build broad national support.
The All Progressives Congress (APC), under President Tinubu’s leadership, remains one of the country’s most extensive political organisations, with structures across the federation.
President Tinubu also enters the race with the advantages of incumbency, experienced political leadership, and an established nationwide network.
Leaders who undertake difficult reforms are rarely celebrated in the early stages of their administrations. More often, they are criticised before they are understood, and resisted before history delivers its verdict.
The question, therefore, is not simply whether Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, or media commentators understand Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The deeper question is whether his critics fully appreciate the depth of his political experience, organisational capacity, resilience under pressure, and ability to convert political challenges into electoral opportunities.
Nigerans assessment, however, is that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu enters that contest with significant political advantages, a formidable national structure, and the experience required to mount a strong re election campaign.
Those who dismiss these realities may ultimately discover that they underestimated not only the man, but also the political movement behind him.
History has the final word, and it has often favoured leaders who possess courage, resilience, strategic vision, and the patience to endure criticism in pursuit of lasting national transformation
– Musa Asiru Bakare, a foundational member APC and political analyst, writes from Lokoja, Kogi state.
