President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria recently described himself as a “very stubborn politician”. In reaction to critics he stated that he “refuses to go” and will actively campaign for a second term in the 2027 elections.
In “Daring Leadership” Brené Brown says “If you choose courage, you will absolutely know failure, disappointment, setback, even heartbreak. That’s why we call it courage. That’s why it’s so rare.” Without doubt President Tinubu has chosen courage, being fully aware of issues and challenges that currently bedevils the country.
Of course security tops it as it hallmarks the fear of every Nigerian and even investors. Not resting on his oars, Tinubu’s most talked about policy presently is the State Policing which might once and for all lessen if not eradicate the present security challenge. That is the way a leading leader respond to issues.
In the words of Israelmore Ayivor “If the problems you have this year are the same problems you had last year, then you are not a leader. You are rather a problem on your own that must be solved.” Looking critically at Tinubu’s approach from inception I am convinced he does not fit into Ayivor’s construction as above and that is what I have consistently argued in all my columns that Tinubu remains a present and determined leader.
As a leader who is a “dealer of hope “ according to Napoleon Bonaparte Tinubu by words and actions regularly shows that he means well for Nigeria and this reflects in the many policies being introduced or remodeled daily .
Though the administration can do better at reducing policy somersaults and flip ups which has occured in some occasions , because public policies are meant to be well thought out and deliberate from inception for an intended outcome.
Even at that, some of the worst critics of this administration and our great party the All Progressive Congress(APC) grudgingly do sometimes agree that our nation’s leadership isn’t frozen, in total confusion or failure.
So his use of the term “stubborn” aims at characterizing his doggedness and refusal to back down under pressure, a trait supporters often link to his past political battles as one of the nation’s heroes of democracy and erstwhile governor of Lagos state.
Stubborn as a metaphor of his determination that he will not abandon ship but is resolute in “fixing “ Nigeria through the numerous and ongoing Renewed Hope Agenda.
Despite these advancements, the administration as expected, continues to face incessant public debates that challenge the immediate impacts of these reforms of inflation and high cost. These are the areas the more stubborn followers must be equipped with convincing facts and answers as time ticks for a date with history.
However , while basking in the euphoria of the good news of the nation’s successful rescue of the Oyo school children and teachers which no doubt reaffirmed the administration’s determination on securing citizens of the country, another (political) excitement gaining ground presently is the forthcoming 2027 elections as political parties are gearing up once more for the general election ,APC inclusive !
It was such a gladdening news when the Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe
declared that “I congratulate our candidates, leaders, and members of APC on the successful 100% upload of our Presidential, Vice Presidential, Senate, and House of Representatives candidates on the INEC Candidate Nomination Portal (ICNP),”
Our Party Chairman since assuming office have continued to push the party to a greater and enviable height which can be linked to his political , administrative and academic prowess.
A major news though not unpredicted is the nomination of the current Vice President of Nigeria H. E Kashim Shettima as President Tinubu’s running mate in the upcoming 2027 elections. Without doubt , the duo have enjoyed an excellent working relationship and a successful partnership that has outlived the 2023 pre-election criticisms and doused suspicions as well.
For those of us that can be categorized as the more stubborn followers we are still convinced that President Tinubu is doing his best for Nigeria and another four years will crown his efforts.
Nigeria’s presidency under this duo have enjoyed political cum administrative stability and that remains one of the most needed tools for the nation’s development!
The running mate Kassim Shettima draws from his extensive executive , legislative experiences that have been tested in both the private and public sectors of the nation. He remains a stabilizing force and a strategic bridge-builder within the All Progressives Congress.
As election campaigns approach, the Renewed Hope Team is ready in engaging our respected and cherished compatriots where we shall table our scorecard, listen to every Nigerian and take notes for the next term!
The administration and we the more stubborn followers will certainly not claim perfection but have courageously and with good intents tried to build on the greatness laid down by previous administrations , provide further good foundations that guarantees higher heights for our beloved nation and look forward to legacies of service that can be bequeathed to generations to come.
For the APC , the Tinubu/Shettima Team it’s Nigeria First!
– Ronke Bello,Ph.D is Professor of Governance, a Publicist, Policy Analyst and Author.
