News Editor
By Dahiru Yusuf Yabo
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s rise to power has never been defined by credibility, charisma, or prudence. Instead, his political journey has been anchored on sheer audacity, strategic maneuvering, and a calculated ability to navigate Nigeria’s complex power dynamics. His early activism within NADECO, Afenifere, and the Odudua People’s Congress (OPC) was largely framed as a struggle against Northern military dominance. These platforms later evolved into political entities such as the Alliance for Democracy (AD), Action Congress (AC), and finally, the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), where he emerged as a dominant force in the South West.
Tinubu’s antecedents secured him positions as a senator and later as the governor of Lagos State, a role he used to expand his influence across the South West. His legacy, however, was not built on governance excellence but on opposition tactics, media propaganda, strategic alliances, and political mergers. His ability to leverage opposition platforms—from protests and demonstrations against fuel hikes and wage policies to media dominance through outlets like TVC and The Nation newspaper—paved the way for his eventual ascent to power.
In 2015, through a coalition that included the CPC, ACN, ANPP, and APGA, Tinubu played a crucial role in securing victory for President Muhammadu Buhari. However, in 2023, he overturned the principle of rotational presidency to consolidate power in the South West for a second time, disrupting Nigeria’s fragile geopolitical balance.
A Presidency of Economic Hardship and Political Repression
Less than two years into his tenure, Nigeria has plunged into severe economic distress due to poorly conceived policies. The immediate removal of fuel subsidies upon assuming office, without any mitigating measures, triggered unprecedented inflation and hardship. Other misguided policies have further exposed a lack of deep understanding of the nation’s socio-political and economic realities.
The economic downturn has fueled widespread discontent. Civil society groups, youth activists, and organized labor have repeatedly staged nationwide protests against the administration’s policies—borrowing directly from Tinubu’s own playbook of opposition tactics. Demonstrations were held in August and October 2024, signaling a growing public outcry against bad governance.
Public commentators, social media analysts, and critics continue to highlight key national concerns, including insecurity, nepotism, divisiveness, corruption, election reform failures, and worsening economic hardship. Yet, rather than addressing these pressing issues, the government has deployed repressive tactics to silence dissent. Protesters and vocal critics are being branded as adversaries or political enemies, while state instruments of authority are used to suppress legitimate grievances.
A Deliberate Political Sabotage?
One wonders whether this deteriorating situation is an orchestrated attempt to weaken Tinubu’s presidency from within. Some analysts speculate that internal political saboteurs—so-called “third columnists”—may be engineering disaffection to advance their own ambitions. However, regardless of the underlying political schemes, the reality remains: Nigeria’s socio-political fabric is strained, and the consequences could be revolutionary.
As 2027 approaches, the signs of political upheaval are increasingly evident. If corrective measures are not taken, the growing frustration among Nigerians could culminate in an electoral backlash or even widespread unrest.
The Way Forward
To salvage his administration and avert a national crisis, President Tinubu must take urgent corrective steps:
1. Economic Reforms with Human Face: The government must implement policies that cushion the effects of subsidy removal and inflation. Initiatives like targeted social safety nets, mass employment programs, and a realistic approach to wage increments are necessary.
2. Political Inclusion and National Reconciliation: Tinubu must move beyond South West-centered politics and embrace national cohesion. Addressing regional grievances and fostering inclusivity will ease tensions.
3. Security Sector Reform: Instead of suppressing protests and dissent, security agencies should focus on combating terrorism, banditry, and rising crime rates.
4. Transparent Governance: Corruption remains a major concern. Strengthening anti-corruption institutions and ensuring accountability at all levels of government is crucial.
5. Listening to the People: The administration must be responsive to public concerns. Engaging with labor unions, civil society groups, and opposition voices will help rebuild trust.
Failure to address these challenges could lead to unprecedented political consequences. The growing discontent signals that Nigeria is at a crossroads, and Tinubu must decide whether he will steer the country toward stability or risk becoming a casualty of his own political history.
Dahiru Yusuf Yabo
PGD-CMPC, MCM, MPPA (BUK)
30th January 2025
