By Kunle Alaye
One year to the 2023 general elections in Nigeria, the entire country is discussing only one man (Bola Ahmed Tinubu). Ironically, those who talk more about him, are his opponents who of course, are conspicuously gripped with fear of his personality as a contender for the upcoming exercise.
Sequel to Tinubu’s informal declarations at the Presidential Villa Abuja, last week, he has become a subject of discussion like: his age, school, health, capacity, intelligence among others. Interestingly, some of his oppositions from subconscious minds, were apparently selling him the more to the public.
They no longer talk about their strategies or what they have to offer Nigerians. I asked myself some questions like who is this man call Bola Ahmed Tinubu? Why is it a threat to so many others? Despite he has not even made any formal declaration to run for the 2023 nor wins his party’s presidential ticket.
Sincerely yours, the answers to the questions are not too farfetched. He is a personality in Nigerian politics, he is a kingmaker, he is an institution, he is a school who has graduated so many prominent Nigerian politicians. Among whom some of them are also literally aspiring for the same office.
My advice goes specifically to the Yorubas/Southwest, I admonish you to wise up and do not make the same mistakes we have been known for since the First Republic. Late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, remains the best president Nigeria never had. This of course was due to political persecutions, agradiscent, hatred among others whilst the First and Second Republic of 1979.
Of course, Tinubu is not a saint and he has his past. However, the situation with Nigeria now is to make “choice among the real choices available and stop being delusional”. Like the aphorism says the Devil you know is better than the Angel you do not.
I am not a politician neither do I know Bola Tinubu in person but I am strongly optimistic that with his wealth of political sagacity and track record, we should give him a trial. Besides, among all other options on ground for now, Bola Tinubu is indeed the only one “outstanding while his other aspirants are merely standing”
Kunle Alaye, is a seasoned journalist, FELLOW, Council For the Development of Social Science Research in Africa (CODESRIA) and Lecturer at the Department of Political Science and International Relations Chrisland University, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria.
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