My family and I join millions of Nigerians in extending our warmest birthday wishes to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a formidable political strategist of our time, as he turns 73.
This particular birthday holds unique significance, as it coincides with the conclusion of Ramadan and the observance of Christian Lenten period. For Tinubu, a devout Muslim, celebrating his birthday on March 29 at the end of one of Islamโs most sacred periodsโRamadanโadds a profound spiritual dimension. Additionally, the fact that it aligns with the period of Lent being observed by his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, a pastor in the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), makes it even more remarkable. The convergence of these three significant religious events is certainly noteworthy.
It is, therefore, unsurprising that the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, paid a heartfelt tribute to her husband, referring to him as her โknight in shining armor.โ
For those unfamiliar with the phrase, โknight in shining armorโ originates from medieval European folklore and symbolizes chivalry, bravery, honor, and unwavering loyalty. This image, which first emerged in 12th-century literature, embodies key virtues such as:
These attributes align closely with Tinubuโs public service record. From his early days as a pro-democracy activist to his tenure as a senator, governor, and national leader of the ruling party, he has consistently demonstrated political resilience and strategic brilliance. It is in this context that the First Ladyโs description of him as โMy Knight in Shining Armorโ appears fitting.
Beyond his wifeโs admiration, Tinubu has also received praise from past Nigerian leaders. Former President Muhammadu Buhari, under whom Tinubu served as the ruling partyโs key strategist, described him as an influential figure in Nigeriaโs political history:
โNo doubt, the annals of the country will not be complete without mentioning President Tinubuโs significant roles as an entrepreneur, party stalwart, activist, and a serial winner of democratic elections. I am truly proud of my association with Asiwaju.โ
Similarly, former Military President Ibrahim Babangida, under whose regime Tinubu was forced into exile due to his pro-democracy activism, acknowledged his leadership qualities:
โThere comes a time in the life of a nation when an uncommon personality and courageous disposition define the essence of problem-solving leadership. With your background in the struggle for the emancipation of ordinary Nigerians and your commitment to deepening democracy, your history speaks for itself.โ
Babangida further praised Tinubuโs resilience, stating:
โYou have come to lead Nigeria at a very challenging time in our history, and your leadership thus far has been remarkable, bold, and encouraging. Only those who have been in leadership positions understand the complexities involved in governing a nation like Nigeria.โ
These endorsements reinforce Tinubuโs political standing. However, as he marks this milestone, opposition forces are mobilizing to challenge his presidency in the 2027 election.
Going by his concluding part of his tribute, Babangida has apparently endorsed Tinubu for a second term.
โA results-oriented and pragmatic leader like you is well-suited to tackle the current challenges, particularly given the innovative policies and strategic direction your administration has pursued so far.โ
Babangidaโs tribute stands out to me because, in several of my past media engagements, I have argued that President Tinubu is making the tough decisions that Babangida, as a former military head of state, was unable to implement to rescue Nigeria from economic decline. Specifically, Babangidaโs failure to fully execute the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) of 1984/85โchoosing instead to step aside under pressureโplunged the country into a state of arrested development, leading to the socio-economic and political struggles that persist today and which Tinubuโs reforms are dismantling.
It is noteworthy and commendable that Babangida himself has acknowledged Tinubuโs determination to follow through on difficult reforms, a path he hesitated to complete before stepping down in 1993.
Even former President Muhammadu Buhariโwhose tenure as a military ruler from 1983 to 1985 was marked by repression, rivaled only by General Sani Abachaโs rule from 1993 to 1998โhas given due recognition to Tinubuโs critical role in helping him achieve the presidency in 2015 after multiple failed attempts.
For me, the key takeaway from the tributes by both Buhari and Babangida is that they reinforce the โKnight in Shining Armorโ title bestowed upon Tinubu by his wife, First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu. Their acknowledgments align with the characteristics of a knight: chivalry, bravery, loyalty, and honor.
While we have yet to see birthday tributes from other former Nigerian leaders like General Abdulsalami Abubakar and former President Goodluck Jonathan, there appears to be a broad consensus on Tinubuโs political influence.
I have previously stated that Tinubu is implementing reforms that past leaders should have introduced and completed over the last four -five decades.
In his book Political Style: The Artistry of Power (1995), Robert Hariman examines the political craftsmanship of historical figures, including Vaclav Havel, Ronald Reagan, and Bill Clinton. He highlights how each leaderโs style shapes their political effectiveness and the crises they encounter.
Tinubu exemplifies this idea of political artistry. Aristotle famously described humans as โpolitical animals,โ naturally inclined to engage in governance and power dynamics. Though trained as an accountant, Tinubu has evolved into a master politician, refining his approach from his early days as a senator under Babangidaโs transition to democracy. His journeyโfrom opposition leader to presidentโhas drawn both admiration and criticism, particularly from former allies like Nasir El-Rufai and Rotimi Amaechi, who are now among his growing list of political adversaries.
Tinubu has, at different times, demonstrated elements of these styles. His distinct mannerisms, strategic thinking, and political resilience have made him a phenomenon in Nigeriaโs contemporary political landscape.
This explains why, ahead of the 2023 presidential election, he confidently declared โEmi lo kanโ (Itโs my turn) in Yoruba, asserting his right to lead after years of king-makingโa claim even former President Buhari acknowledged.
Despite his proximity to power, Tinubu faced significant obstacles, including the naira redesign policy, which created cash shortages and threatened his campaign. He later recounted how a close associate questioned whether he could succeed under such conditions. Yet, he remained resolute, stating, โI will make it.โ True to his words, he secured the presidency.
In my book Becoming President of Nigeria: A Citizenโs Guide (2023), released before the party primaries, I argued that Tinubu had a strong chance of winning the presidency, even though zoning considerations had not officially favored him.
In chapter six (6) titled Political Frenzy and Fireworks Surrounding the Jostle for Presidency of Nigeria in 2023 Against a Politician from the Yoruba Ethnic Stock as detailed from pages 99-110, the case was made for Tinubuโs eligibility based on former Ogun state governor, and elder statesman,Aremo Segun Osobaโs optics.
At that time, Peter Obiโs rise through the Labour Party was not yet fully in play. In the Conclusion chapter of the book (p.301) one had also predicted the contest would primarily be between Tinubu (APC) and Atiku Abubakar (PDP).
All that is contained in my article titled โHow to Become the President of Nigeria , 2023โ first published on September 15, 2021 by Thecable.ng and later on page 331 -332 in my book by the same title published in 2023.
Tinubuโs political acumen is well-established. However, some believe he may have weakened his position by declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, 2024. Critics argue this move could alienate Niger Deltans, while his supporters maintain that he acted decisively to prevent a violent crisis in the volatile region.
Among his challengers is Nasir El-Rufai, the former Kaduna governor who was instrumental in Tinubuโs 2023 victory but was later sidelined from a ministerial position, after being nominated. El-Rufai is reportedly working to unify opposition parties under the Social Democratic Party (SDP) to replicate Tinubuโs 2015 strategy against the PDP. Whether he will succeed remains to be seen.
Another formidable opponent is Rotimi Amaechi, the former Rivers governor and transportation minister, who contested against Tinubu in the APC primaries. While it wise not to take any threat forgranted, he may not be such a threat as his influence in Rivers state politics has been whittled down by the immediate past governor and current minister of the F.C.T, Nyesom Wike.
An anecdote: โl once asked a wiseman, how do l know who is real (amongst my followers) and he replied, โRemove the benefits and see whoโs leftโ appears to ring true in Rivers state, as loyalty is being determined by who is benefiting and who has the ability and capacity to keep dispensing benefits.
Regardless of opposition, Tinubu remains a master strategist who has reshaped Nigeriaโs political landscape. His ability to build coalitions and outmaneuver opponents was evident in the formation of the APC, which unseated the PDP in 2015. As governor of Lagos, his policiesโincluding the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system and revenue reformsโlaid the foundation for the stateโs economic growth.
His adaptability is another strength. Over the years, he has adjusted to shifting political realities, often turning challenges into opportunities.
Of course, Tinubu is not without controversy. Some critics allege discrepancies in his age, questioning whether he is truly 73, as officially stated, or older, based on past reports. However, in a world where information can be manipulated with Aritificial Inteligence tools, such claims remain unverified. Moreover, age falsification is widespread among Nigerian civil servants, with many reducing their official ages to extend their careers.
To address this issue, the National Assembly should consider criminalizing age falsification and making it highly enforceable as part of the ongoing constitutional review.
Ultimately, Tinubuโs rise to power is a testament to his political skills. While some admire his leadership, others strongly oppose his methods. But instead of resorting to insults to me for this analysis based on objective principles, critics should articulate their reasons for opposing him so that meaningful political discourse around the strenghts and weakness of president Tinubuโs reforms can take place.
On that note, once again, on behalf of my family and l, happy birthday, Mr. PresidentโAsiwaju of Lagos and Jagaban of Borgu, and congrats to madam first Lady Oluremi Tinubu who has been standing by her husband like the Rock of Gilbraltar.
Credit:This Day