By Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a Nigerian politician and former governor of Lagos State. He was born on March 29, 1952 in Lagos and has been a prominent figure in Nigerian politics for over three decades. Tinubu is widely regarded as one of the most influential politicians in Nigeria and is often referred to as the “National Leader” of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) party.
Tinubu’s political career started in 1992 when he was elected as a senator in the Nigerian National Assembly. During his time as a senator, Tinubu emerged as a vocal critic of the military dictatorship that ruled Nigeria at the time. He was a leading member of the pro-democracy movement that fought to end military rule in Nigeria and played a key role in the transition to civilian rule in 1999.
In 1999, Tinubu was elected governor of Lagos State, one of the largest and most economically important states in Nigeria. During his tenure as governor, Tinubu implemented a series of reforms aimed at improving the lives of Lagosians. He focused on improving the infrastructure of the state, including the construction of new roads, bridges, and other public works projects. He also introduced a series of economic reforms that helped to stimulate economic growth in the state and create new jobs.
One of Tinubu’s most notable achievements as governor was the creation of the Lagos State Property Development Corporation (LSPDC). The organization was established to manage the state’s vast property portfolio and to encourage private-sector investment in real estate development. Under Tinubu’s leadership, the LSPDC played a key role in transforming Lagos into a modern, thriving city.
After leaving office as governor in 2007, Tinubu continued to play an active role in Nigerian politics. He was a leading figure in the formation of the APC, which was created to challenge the then-ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP). Tinubu was a key strategist and supporter of Muhammadu Buhari’s successful presidential campaign in 2015 and has since played a key role in shaping the direction of the APC government. He won the APC primaries in 2022 despite stiff competition to become the party’s flag bearer in the 2023 general elections.
Tinubu is widely regarded as one of the most effective political leaders in Nigeria, and his popularity and influence extend far beyond the borders of Lagos State. He is known for his charismatic personality and his ability to connect with ordinary Nigerians. He is also admired for his strong stance on corruption, which he has consistently referred to as one of the biggest obstacles to Nigeria’s development.
Despite his many achievements and accolades, Tinubu is not without his critics. Some have accused him of being too power-hungry and of using his influence to control the political process. Others have accused him of using his political power to further his own business interests. However, despite these criticisms, Tinubu remains a popular and influential figure in Nigerian politics.
In conclusion, Asiwaju Tinubu is a political force to be reckoned with in Nigeria. He has played a key role in shaping the political landscape of the country, and has been a vocal advocate for democratic reforms and economic growth. Whether you love him or hate him, there is no denying that Tinubu is a powerful and influential figure in Nigerian politics, and his legacy will be felt for many years to come.