Who Is  Bola Tinubu? Things You Should Know About Nigeria’s President-Elect

What we know

70-Year-Old Asiwaju Bola Tinubu is the new President-Elect of the most populous country with the largest economy in Africa.

He is a Muslim  faithful like his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari, with has six children and is married to Oluremi Tinubu, a senator in Lagos.

He was the former Lagos State Governor between 1999 and 2007 and was credited with landmark reforms that transform the State. Lagos became the largest richest state in Nigeria producing about $900 billion yearly.

He was said to have experienced a difficult and traumatic youth challenge as dishwashing, night-guard and cab-driving to see himself through the initial difficulties of school at the Richard Daley College, Chicago, Illinois in US in 1975.

He became Lagos first man four years after he returned to Nigeria following the actualization of democracy in 1999.

His presidential race

Tinubu contested for a presidential seat under the umbrella of the ruling All Progressive Party (APC) and was declared the winner by Professor Mahood Yakubu, the Chairman of International National Electoral Commission (INEC).

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Often addressed by his title name ‘Jagaban’ Tinubu will emerge as Nigeria’s fifth president after he has been officially sworn in and will inherit the country from President muhammadu Buhari

This Online Newspaper gathered that the presidential election which gave the President-Elect victory was flawed by reports of voter suppression, attacks by thugs which caused violence and enfranchised of many Nigerians, particularly in Tinubu’s stronghold Lagos. INEC officials didn’t show up in many polling units but results were recorded in those areas. Voters also complained about delay by the officials and unjust treatment from some of the security agents.

His Defeat

He was defeated by the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi in his country home, Lagos State and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. Reacting to the defeats, he said, “As a democratic, we lose some and we win some.”

The election was said to lack credibility and transparency as  many Nigerians rejected and have protest against the results announced by the electoral commission. The aggrieved opposition parties also rejected the results and say they will challenge it in court.

Corruption Allegations

Tinubu’s numerous source of wealth and interests had got many people talking, especially Nigerians who seems not to know his source of wealth. He has been accused of being a drug dealer, corruption and being involved illegal business. He once had a bullion van at his home in an affluent area of Lagos during the 2019 elections.

His Health

His state of health is confusing as many people doubt his fitness and capability of leading Africa’s most populous country. He was criticized for his inability to challenge his opponents in a public during presidential debate or meeting.

His Political Influence And Experience

Tinubu wields significant influence in the southwest where he is seen as a political godfather and kingmaker. He has handpicked every Lagos governor since since leaving office in 2007 and was instrumental in the election of Buhari to the presidency on his fourth attempt in 2015.

After many years of political experience and significant influence, Tinubu declared it was his turn to become the next president of Nigeria which made Nigerian politics look like an arrangement of, it is turn by turn.