Some commentators consider labelling Tinubu as an Awoist or social democrat as nonsense. They instead see him as a neo-liberal in the same vein as most politicians in Nigeria. This predominant group of politicians believes the market and the private sector are the solution to all ills in government, economy, and the larger society. Tinubu is also shrouded in much controversy regarding his age, origins, health and constitutional fit for the office of president of Nigeria. A newspaper report from 1998 states that he was 52, but in 2023 Tinubu officially marked his 71st birthday, leaving a six-year gap. Demands for a full health disclosure have been ignored, and investigative journalist David Hundeyin has released files about a background in drug trafficking while Tinubu lived in the US. These stories, together with his possession of Guinean citizenship, have been widely shared on social media.
Tinubu’s much touted symbol is of ‘broken shackles’ – intended as liberation from the woes of colonialism and neo-colonialism – which he wears on his head at public events. Yet, this symbolism now appears lost on the public. His time out of office and establishing a reputation as a wealthy godfather and kingmaker of Nigerian politics has disconnected him from the public. Tinubu’s campaign slogans of “Yoruba lo kan” [It is the turn of the Yorubas] and “Emi lo kan” [It is my turn] almost completely replaced whatever ideological leanings he might have had. The chances of Mr Tinubu running a government to which most of the citizenry would be enthusiastic seem low due to the tribal nature of these slogans.
Tinubu got elected with almost 9 million votes. However, his opponents together amassed over 14 million votes. Mr Tinubu’s mandate is thus not an overly popular one. His presidential style, people-centred programs and populist policies could earn his mandate much needed popularity and legitimacy. During his spell as governor of Lagos state, the president-elect displayed a penchant for selecting very capable hands to build an efficient team. It will be vital he can repeat this trick now he oversees the national government.
That some consider Tinubu to be neoliberal, while others see him through the prism of Awo-ism speaks to the divisions within Nigerian politics and the fragile political environment he inherits. Whatever governing philosophy emerges during his tenure, time will tell whether he can galvanise the Nigerian economy out of its present doldrums and unite the country.
Photo credit: Chatham House used with permission CC BY 2.0