Tinubu’s overwhelming demonstration of seriousness to lead -By Adebimpe Abraham Onifade

As APC gets close to choosing the flagbearer for the party as Presidential candidate, any serious watcher of the campaign to occupy Aso Rock sees only one serious candidate: Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu (ABAT).

Serious society selects serious people to lead them. Late Senator Patrick Moynihan of the United States, an intellectual, was once attributed to say that there are two types of societies worldwide. A society that supports growth and progress, and the second that supports stagnation or retrogression. Another illustrious American, the late General Colin Powell was said to develop a military doctrine of overwhelming force to win war. It’s called Powell doctrine.
The theory of this short article is to combine Senator Moynihan’s progressive-minded society and the deployment of overwhelming force to win. As a Nigerian society do we truly and seriously need progress? I think the answer is yes. However, the general attitude in Nigeria is not definitive that we all want progress and to move forward. The second question is should we elect people who are demonstrably ready to lead? The answer is yes. However, again, Nigerian political leaders often choose someone that they can control.

As we countdown to APC primaries, the definitive submission of this article is that the candidate that overwhelmingly demonstrated commitment to lead, and with a track record of prior performance, in the person of ABAT, should be the indisputable candidate for APC. This is simply one mistake APC should not make.

ABAT’s detractors have their complaints, but the submission of this article, is he who has no sin, let him throw the first stone. Likened to this, who among the current leaders is completely clean? Who in Nigeria is without blemish? This article does not to condone corruption. Nevertheless, we’re sinful and corrupt. Therefore, let’s look beyond ABAT’s inadequacies. It’s human.

Let’s look at ABAT’s prior performances in and out of political office. Let’s look at how ABAT builds high-performing teams and individuals. Let’s look at how ABAT builds political bridges, cooperation and electoral victories. Let’s remember how ABAT built infrastructures. Let’s use ABAT’s proficiencies of building public economies and personal wealth. ABAT’s got what it takes to put Nigeria on the pedestal of growth as we see in Lagos State.

This article will conclude with an unsolicited suggestion on ABAT’s Vice President. His best choice will be Governor Ganduje of Kano State. However, Governor Ganduje with ABAT must bring back Governors Kwakwanso and Shekarau to APC. Lagos State and Southwest, Kano State and Northwest region guarantee a Presidential win. A Muslim-Muslim ticket should be tolerably expected. It happened before with Chief MKO Abiola and Alhaji Babagana Kinginbe. With this Muslim-Muslim likely combination, the SGF must be a consensus candidate from Southeast region.

Nigerians shouldn’t use religious sentiments to lose the best leader to take the helm of affairs after PMB. Nigeria wasn’t founded on a religion. The future of Nigeria is not dependent on any single religion. Nigerians will not embrace only one religion.

In conclusion, the overwhelming interest demonstrated by nationwide visits of ABAT, his prior records in government, and his capacity to build high-performing teams, build political bridges and victories strongly recommends him as the best candidate for APC and the next President of Nigeria. A Muslim-Muslim ticket shouldn’t preclude the best prepared leader to govern the nation.

The writer is a staunch supporter of ABAT’s presidential interest.

Adebimpe Abraham Onifade, Ph.D.