May 29: Bola Tinubu's Inauguration Is Here

Today, May 29, 2023, President, Muhammadu Buhari passes the baton of leadership to Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Nigeria finds itself amid a mixture of anticipation and unease.

With Tinubu assuming the Nigerian presidency, a sense of anticipation, intrigue and anxiety permeates the nation.

The journey to Tinubu’s presidency was not without its challenges and controversies, making his February 25, 2023, victory a significant milestone in the country’s political landscape.

Soireenews reports that prior to the June 7, 2022, presidential primaries of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Tinubu faced numerous odds against his candidacy.

Nicknamed the “Jagaban of Borgu,” Tinubu’s victory in the party’s primary election defied all odds and automatically set the stage for the transfer of power from President Buhari.

This unexpected turn of events ignited both anxiety and excitement across the nation.

Critics argued that he was too old and might not possess the necessary health and vigour to effectively govern Nigeria.

Also, one of the primary contenders for the APC ticket was Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who enjoyed substantial popularity among party members and the youth.

Some within the party advocated for Osinbajo’s candidacy, seeing him as a worthy successor to President Buhari. However, Tinubu’s widespread influence and adept politicking enabled him to outmanoeuvre his opponents and emerge as the party’s candidate, surpassing prominent contenders such as Osinbajo, Rotimi Amaechi, Tunde Bakare, among others.

Bola Tinubu’s path to victory in the presidential election was marked by various campaign strategies and rallying cries that resonated with the Nigerian electorate.

Among these tactics, the utilisation of the term “Emilokan” played a significant role in mobilising support for Tinubu’s candidacy.

During one of his public appearances leading up to the APC presidential primary election, Tinubu emphasised the reasons he should be the next president of Nigeria.

Tinubu’s claim of having worked tirelessly to support Buhari’s successful campaign formed the basis for his outburst, Emilokan, which translates to “it’s my turn” in Yoruba, asserting that he deserved a chance to lead the nation.

This simple yet potent phrase encapsulated the yearning for Tinubu to assume the presidency, symbolising the belief that his time had come.

The term Emilokan swiftly gained traction as a campaign chant among the Yoruba population and supporters of Tinubu.

Yoruba-speaking Nigerians identified with the sentiment behind Emilokan, as it encapsulated the desire for a fair opportunity for Tinubu to lead the nation.

Tinubu, a portrait

Born on March 29, 1952, in Lagos State, Nigeria, he hails from the Tinubu family, renowned for its historical significance in Lagos politics.

He completed his primary and secondary education in Lagos before pursuing higher studies abroad. Tinubu holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Chicago State University, Illinois, United States, and a Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) from the same institution.

Tinubu’s political journey began in the early 1990s when he became actively involved in the pro-democracy movement that fought against military rule in Nigeria.

As the first elected executive governor of Lagos State under Nigeria’s Fourth Republic, Tinubu served two consecutive terms from 1999 to 2007 on the platform of the Alliance for Democracy.

Tinubu’s political influence extends beyond Lagos State. He played a pivotal role in the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC), a merger of several opposition parties, which eventually led to the historic defeat of the incumbent government in the 2015 presidential election.

The citizens hope for effective governance, economic stability, improved security and progress in addressing pressing issues such as corruption and infrastructure development.

They eagerly await the implementation of Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda and his ability to steer Nigeria toward a brighter future.

With both excitement and concerns lingering in the air, the nation awaits the actions and policies of its new leader, hoping for a positive and transformative era for Nigeria.

Dear Nigerians, it’s Jagaban o’clock.