The Rise of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu: How He Became the People's Choice for Nigeria's Presidency"

Introduction:

Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has emerged as a prominent political figure in Nigeria, with his presidential candidacy generating widespread interest and support for the upcoming 2023 election. This article explores the remarkable journey of Tinubu, tracing his rise from his early life to his influential role in Nigerian politics. We will delve into his early life and political career, while highlighting his significant achievements to date, shedding light on why he has become the people's choice for Nigeria's presidency.

Early Life and Education:
Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu's early life and education played a significant role in shaping his political career. Tinubu was born in Lagos, Nigeria, to a prominent Muslim family. His mother, Late Abibatu Mogaji, was a businesswoman and philanthropist.
Tinubu's upbringing was marked by a strong emphasis on education and community service.

He attended St. John's Primary School, Aroloya, Lagos, and later proceeded to the Children's Home School in Ibadan, Oyo State. He then attended the prestigious Government College, Ibadan, before proceeding to the United States of America for his tertiary education.

Tinubu earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Chicago State University in 1979 and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the same institution in 1983. He also attended the Executive Program at Harvard Business School.

Tinubu's early career was in the private sector, where he worked for various companies in the United States, including Arthur Andersen, Deloitte, Haskins, Sells and GTE Services Corporation. He returned to Nigeria in the late 1980s to start his own business, establishing Alpha Beta Consulting, a financial consulting firm that provided services to the Lagos State government.

Tinubu's success in the private sector, coupled with his passion for community service and pro-democracy activism, eventually led him to enter politics. His commitment to community service and his focus on accountability and transparency have been the hallmarks of his political career, his early education and upbringing have undoubtedly played a role in shaping his values and priorities.

Brief background on Tinubu's political career:
In 1992, Tinubu was elected to the Senate on the platform of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and served until the military coup of 1993. Following the coup, he went into exile in the United States and returned to Nigeria in 1998 after the death of General Sani Abacha.

Tinubu's entry into Lagos state politics was in 1999 when he contested the governorship election on the platform of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) and won. He was re-elected in 2003, and during his tenure, he introduced a number of reforms and initiatives aimed at improving the lives of Lagosians. Some of these reforms include the introduction of a health insurance scheme, the establishment of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), and the implementation of a poverty alleviation program.

Tinubu's political career continued to flourish after his tenure as governor. In 2007, he played a key role in the formation of the Action Congress (AC), which later merged with other opposition parties to form the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2013.
Tinubu's political influence and leadership skills were instrumental in the APC's victory in the 2015 presidential election, which ended the 16-year rule of the PDP. Since then, Tinubu has remained a prominent figure in Nigerian politics and has continued to play a key role in the APC.

Given his long and impressive political career, it is not surprising that Tinubu has emerged as a presidential candidate in Nigeria's 2023 election. His candidacy has been well-received by many Nigerians who believe that his experience, leadership skills and vision can help address some of the critical challenges facing the country, such as insecurity, corruption and economic development.

Revenue and Growth:
Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu's tenure as the governor of Lagos State from 1999 to 2007 marked a period of remarkable growth and development for the state. One of his notable achievements was the significant increase in the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of Lagos State, surpassing that of many countries, including Ghana. This accomplishment can be attributed to a combination of strategic policies and reforms implemented during his tenure.

Economic Diversification and Investment Promotion:
Tinubu recognised the importance of economic diversification and reducing reliance on oil revenue. He focused on attracting local and foreign investments to Lagos State, creating a conducive business environment, and promoting entrepreneurship. His administration actively encouraged private sector participation across various industries, fostering economic growth and contributing to the increase in the IGR.

Tax Reforms and Revenue Generation Strategies:
Tinubu implemented tax reforms aimed at broadening the tax base and improving revenue collection. He introduced the Land Use Charge, a property tax system that ensured property owners paid their fair share of taxes. Additionally, he reformed the state's tax administration processes, making them more efficient and transparent. These measures helped to boost revenue generation and increase the IGR.

Infrastructure Development and Improved Services:
Under Tinubu's leadership, Lagos State witnessed significant infrastructural development, including the construction and rehabilitation of roads, bridges, and public buildings. Improved infrastructure attracted businesses, stimulated economic activities, and created employment opportunities, which, in turn, contributed to the growth of the IGR. The provision of better services, such as reliable power supply, efficient waste management, and improved transportation, also played a role in attracting investments and boosting revenue.

Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs):
Tinubu embraced the concept of Public-Private Partnerships as a means to leverage private sector expertise, resources, and funding for infrastructure development and service provision. Through PPPs, the government collaborated with private entities to execute projects in areas such as healthcare, education, and transportation. These partnerships not only improved service delivery but also generated revenue for the state.

Discipline and Accountability:
Tinubu's administration prioritised fiscal discipline and transparency. He implemented measures to ensure prudent management of resources, reduced wasteful spending, and plugged revenue leakages. This approach enhanced public trust and confidence in the government's ability to effectively manage finances, attracting investors and boosting the IGR.

Overall, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu's emphasis on economic diversification, tax reforms, infrastructure development, PPPs, and fiscal discipline created an enabling environment for business growth and revenue generation in Lagos State. His strategic policies and reforms propelled the IGR to surpass that of countries like Ghana, demonstrating his ability to drive economic progress and position Lagos State as a leading economic hub in Africa.

II. Politics:
The All Progressives Congress (APC) is a political party in Nigeria that was formed in 2013. The party is the result of a merger between four opposition parties: the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), and a faction of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). The merger was largely driven by the desire to present a united front against the ruling People's Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2015 presidential election.

Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu played a crucial role in the formation of the APC. As the leader of the ACN, Tinubu was one of the driving forces behind the merger. He recognised that a united opposition party would have a better chance of defeating the PDP, which had been in power for 16 years. Tinubu's ability to build alliances and forge consensus played a significant role in bringing the different parties together.

The APC's political ideology is based on a commitment to democracy, good governance, and economic development. The party believes in the rule of law, social justice, and a market-oriented economy that encourages private enterprise and job creation. The APC also advocates for improved infrastructure, healthcare, education, and security.

Tinubu's influence within the APC cannot be overstated. He is widely regarded as the party's national leader and has played a critical role in shaping its policies and direction. His ability to mobilise support and build alliances has helped the party win several key elections, including the 2015 presidential election, which marked the first time in Nigeria's history that an opposition party defeated an incumbent government.

The APC is a political party that was formed to provide a viable alternative to the ruling PDP. Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu played a pivotal role in its formation and has been instrumental in shaping its policies and direction. The party's commitment to democracy, good governance, and economic development has made it a popular choice among Nigerians, and it is likely to remain a major force in Nigerian politics for the foreseeable future.

Tinubu's emergence as a presidential candidate:
Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu's emergence as a presidential candidate in Nigeria's 2023 election is a culmination of his long and illustrious political career. Tinubu's political career began in the early 1990s when he became involved in pro-democracy activism as a student leader. He later joined the pro-democracy movement and played an active role in the fight against military dictatorship in Nigeria.

Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu's presidential candidacy for the 2023 election has generated a lot of interest and speculation in Nigeria. After much anticipation, he announced his intention to run for the presidency in September 2022, citing the need to provide visionary and effective leadership for Nigeria.

Tinubu's campaign strategy is focused on addressing key issues facing the country, such as insecurity, corruption and economic development. His platform emphasises the need to revitalise the economy through job creation, infrastructure development, and investment in key sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, and education.

One of the key pillars of Tinubu's campaign is his commitment to security. He has pledged to prioritise the fight against terrorism, banditry and other forms of criminality, which has been a major challenge for the country in recent years. Tinubu has also emphasised the importance of national unity, calling for greater dialogue and collaboration among Nigeria's diverse ethnic and religious groups.

Tinubu's chances of winning the election were not difficult to predict, when the campaign were still in its early stages. He is widely regarded as a formidable candidate with a strong track record of leadership and governance. His role in the formation of the APC and his contributions to the party's success have earned him a significant following, particularly in the southwest, north and northwest region of the country.

In conclusion:
Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu winning the presidential election of 2023 is a significant development in Nigerian politics. His campaign strategy and platform reflect his commitment to addressing the key challenges facing the country, and he knew his chances of winning were almost certain because he has been preparing for this all his life as a politician. 

However, he did face significant challenges because he ran a Muslim/Muslim ticket which gave some Christians some concern, but Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a unifier, he holds no grudges and his actions are not emotionally driven, he draws on knowledge from trusted and tested advisers and he is courageous enough to enact policies that will be beneficial to the citizens and the future of the country, Policies that will bring in unfathomable investment opportunities that will grow our GDP. 

Tinubu embodies hope for a better future, promising to tackle pressing issues, while the political landscape may shift and challenges lie ahead, the rise of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu reflects the aspirations of many Nigerians for transformative leadership and a prosperous nation.