Please share post with others.
On March 1, the electoral commission, INEC, declared Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the APC candidate, as the winner of the 2023 presidential election. He won in the following states: Rivers, Borno, Jigawa, Zamfara, Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Osun, Ekiti, Ondo, Oyo and Ogun states. He also met the constitutional requirement of having 25% votes in at least 24 states.
[1] Bola Ahmed Tinubu of APC: 8,794,726 votes
[2] Atiku Abubakar of PDP: 6,984,520 votes.
[3] Peter Obi of LP: 6,101,533 votes.
[4] Rabiu Kwankwaso of NNPP: 1,496,687 votes.
On May 29, Nigeria’s 16th President – Bola Ahmed Tinubu – was inaugurated at the Eagle Square, Abuja. Former president, Muhammadu Buhari handed over the National and defense flags in a grand, peaceful style.
WHO IS BOLA AHMED TINUBU, REALLY?
Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a.k.a Jagaban, is the President of Nigeria and former Governor of Lagos State. He is a prominent figure in Nigerian politics and a leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) political party. Tinubu was born on March 29, 1952, in Lagos, Nigeria. He studied accounting at Chicago State University and also has a degree in Business Administration from the same institution. Tinubu is widely regarded by his allies as a political savvy and an astute political strategist.
HIS EARLY POLITICAL CAREER.
Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s political career began in the early 1990s when he joined the pro-democracy movement. He was a member of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) which fought against the military dictatorship in Nigeria at the time. Tinubu was also a prominent member of the United Nigeria Congress Party (UNCP), a political party that opposed the military government of General Sani Abacha. He served as the senator for Lagos West from 1992 to 1993.
LAGOS STATE GOVERNORSHIP.
In 1999, Bola Ahmed Tinubu was elected Governor of Lagos State, Nigeria’s commercial capital. He served as Governor for two consecutive terms from 1999 to 2007. During his tenure, Tinubu is credited with transforming Lagos State into a model for economic development in Nigeria. He initiated several infrastructural projects such as the construction of new roads, bridges, and hospitals. Tinubu also implemented policies that attracted foreign investments and created job opportunities for the people of Lagos State.
THE POLITICAL INFLUENCE OF ASIWAJU BOLA TINUBU.
Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s political influence extends beyond Lagos State. He is a prominent figure in Nigerian politics and has been instrumental in the formation of several political alliances and coalitions. Tinubu was played a key role in the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC), a political party that emerged, in 2013, as a merger of several opposition parties (including ACN, CPC and ANPP). APC went on to win the 2015 Nigerian presidential election, ending the 16-year rule of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s political influence is also evident in his ability to influence the choice of political candidates. Somehow, his preferred candidates emerge victorious in elections. Tinubu’s endorsement is considered to be a valuable asset in Nigerian politics, and several politicians have sought his endorsement in the past.
CONTROVERSIES SURROUNDING TINUBU.
His political career has not been without challenges and controversies. In 2006, he was impeached by the Lagos State House of Assembly on allegations of financial impropriety. However, the impeachment was later overturned by a court ruling. Again, the president-elect was linked with cases of drug trafficking in the US. Tinubu has also been accused of corruption by several individuals and groups. In 2020, he was accused of using his influence to secure contracts from the Lagos State government for companies linked to him. President Bola Tinubu has thrown back these allegations and has challenged his accusers to provide evidence to support their claims.
BOLA AHMED TINUBU NET WORTH.
According to Clacified, Tinubu has an estimated net worth of $8.4 billion. Having previously worked for ExxonMobil, before venturing into politics, the Nigerian statesman definitely has a robust source of income. Tinibu owns a good list of shares in various industries, including agriculture, hospitality, media, oil and gas, and real estate.
He also has a fleet of exotic cars including a Mercedes G-wagon worth $600 million, a Ford, a BMW and a Porsche. Tinubu also owns and maintains a private jet worth about $60 million. His Ikoyi mansion is estimated to be worth N650 million.
TINUBU’S HEALTH CONCERNS.
In 2021, Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s health became a subject of concern among his supporters and admirers. There were reports that he had undergone surgery in the United States, and there were rumors that he was seriously ill. However, Tinubu’s aides denied these reports, stating that he had only undergone routine medical check-ups.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR TINUBU?
The current President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, has handed over to Bola Ahmed Tinubu soon. The inauguration ceremony was held on May 29, 2023 at Eagle Square, Abuja where he was swore in. This would put an end to Buhari’s 8-year long rule. Slowly, Nigerians will be anticipating a renewed, revived Nigeria.
God Bless Our Country!
Abdulbasit Toriola is an emerging voice in Nigerian cultural commentary and social analysis. From his corner in Lagos, he documents Nigerian history, current affairs, and explores the extraordinary journeys of Nigerians beating the odds. His works have been published on Africa Prime News and Opinion Nigeria. Connect with Abdulbasit on Twitter @blackboymusings for daily insights into Nigerian life and culture.
