THE NOTION of progressive politicians in Africa, particularly in Nigeria, is a myth. For years, I’ve observed that individuals who claim to be champions of progress and change when out of government quickly abandon these principles once in power.
This phenomenon is exemplified by the Yoruba people of South West Nigeria. Their many years in opposition, gave them ample space to criticise every policy of governments giving the impression that they are progress-minded people.
Nigeria will never be the same again after him. He will destroy the church, economy, judiciary, political parties, professional associations, ethnic groupings, Nigeria Labour Congress, police, and armed forces. He may even penetrate and also destroy the Nigerian Left community through the preponderance of his ethnic compatriots there. I doubt if we can survive him. Like the American will say, “we ain’t seen nothing yet.” The progressives are at work.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s rise to power has exposed him as a ruse. His actions in power have revealed that his agitations of many years were merely a ploy to deceive unsuspecting Nigerians, especially the progressive activist community.
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Tinubu’s many years of agitation for restructuring; introduction of state policing, fiscal federalism and the rest have vanished into thin air. The Yoruba people, like other Nigerians, do not have genuinely progressive leaders. Instead, they are driven by self-interest and a desire for power. No doubt, progressives can be found anywhere. It is not peculiar to any tribe.
This critique is not limited to the Yoruba people or President Tinubu. Rather, it is a commentary on the broader Nigerian political landscape. Many politicians who present themselves as progressives and committed to the welfare of the people are, in reality, driven by personal ambition and a desire to maintain power.
The lack of progressive politicians in Nigeria derives from a system that prioritises personal gain over the public good. Until this system is transformed, it is unlikely that genuinely progressive leaders will emerge.
It’s astonishing how President Tinubu embraced and even amplified the very things he once criticised during his time in the political wilderness. His actions, along with those of his allies, are jeopardising the country’s democratic foundations. Many Nigerians are concerned that if his divisive tactics go unchecked, they may ultimately destroy democracy in Nigeria.
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Tinubu’s victory in the 2023 elections remains a subject of controversy. Prior to the election, he courted controversy in so many fronts, one of which was by assembling a group of rag wearing bishops, to say they were comfortable with his Muslim-Muslim ticket, a move that was widely criticised. So many self-acclaimed prophets were saying what God never said in other to get Tinubu’s attention. The clergy’s involvement in politics has eroded the respect many Nigerians once had for them. Ironically, some of these bishops and general overseers now claim that their prayers have prevented an even worse outcome.
An ominous era has begun in Nigeria, and it’s likely that the events unfolding between now and 2027 will surpass the excesses of the military era. The reconfiguration of Nigeria has begun as well. President Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, 2025 is a troubling sign of things to come. Experts argue that the president lacks justifiable reasons for this action. But does the President care?
The implications of Tinubu’s leadership style are far-reaching, and it remains to be seen how his presidency will shape Nigeria’s democratic future.
Nigeria will never be the same again after him. He will destroy the church, economy, judiciary, political parties, professional associations, ethnic groupings, Nigeria Labour Congress, police, and armed forces. He may even penetrate and also destroy the Nigerian Left community through the preponderance of his ethnic compatriots there. I doubt if we can survive him. Like the American will say, “we ain’t seen nothing yet.” The progressives are at work.
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When he started with the political configuration of Lagos State, not many Nigerians knew where he was headed. Today, he has Lagos’ political blueprint in his palms. He operates and manipulates the political and economic dynamics of Lagos as he wishes.
An ominous era has begun in Nigeria, and it’s likely that the events unfolding between now and 2027 will surpass the excesses of the military era. The reconfiguration of Nigeria has begun as well. President Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, 2025 is a troubling sign of things to come. Experts argue that the president lacks justifiable reasons for this action. But does the President care?
It’s often said that Nigeria is too complex to be controlled by one person, but Tinubu’s actions suggest otherwise. He has used Lagos as a lab to demonstrate and master his political and transactional ingenuity. Now, Lagos is under his boots and firm grip. He has the capacity to replicate same at the centre! And it seems he’s making progress, albeit gradually. It’s essential to be patient and allow him complete his conquering of Nigeria.
Those who assisted him in the political rearrangement of Lagos have all been abandoned. Wike’s mantra of “you do for me, I do for you,” may not benefit him. He may be working with Tinubu, but Tinubu is not working with him. Tinubu is older and also smarter than him. The Senate’s hasty endorsement of the declaration, facilitated by Akpabio’s questionable tactics, raises further concerns about the integrity of our democratic institutions. His use of voice vote, allegedly influenced by “exchange of envelopes,” undermines the constitutional dictates and further erodes trust in the government.
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Nigerians still recall Senator Ken Nnamani’s role in the Obasanjo third-term saga in the 5th Senate in 2006. The entire country looked up to the Senate for rescue, because Obasanjo was bent on having his way. Nnamani did not disappoint Nigerians. He put the country first at the risk of his life and career. Akpabio’s 10th Senate is the most watery and worthless we have had since 1999. History means nothing to Akpabio and his co-travellers.
As the 2027 elections approach, politicians like Akpabio, his fellow senators, Wike, Amaewhule and his fellow Rivers State House of Assembly members are likely jostling for positions. However, for President Tinubu, his political and economic ambitions extend far beyond 2027.
It’s often said that Nigeria is too complex to be controlled by one person, but Tinubu’s actions suggest otherwise. He has used Lagos as a lab to demonstrate and master his political and transactional ingenuity. Now, Lagos is under his boots and firm grip. He has the capacity to replicate same at the centre! And it seems he’s making progress, albeit gradually. It’s essential to be patient and allow him complete his conquering of Nigeria.
Comrade Amechi, a trade union and pro-democracy activist, writes from Lagos.
