Tinubu: A Chronicle of Sacrifice for Northern Nigeria
Tinubu: A Chronicle of Sacrifice for Northern Nigeria
By Yusuf Ali
In the annals of Nigeria’s political evolution, the name Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu resonates as a unifier, a strategist, and a selfless leader who prioritized the collective good of the nation over personal ambition. His sacrifices for the North, often overlooked, played pivotal roles in shaping the political landscape of Nigeria.
Tinubu’s contributions began with his unwavering support for the presidential ambition of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar in 2007. In a period when alliances were fractured and political egos clashed, Tinubu placed nationhood above regionalism.
He supported Atiku’s presidential bid, providing resources and a robust political structure to amplify his candidacy. Remarkably, Tinubu asked for nothing in return. His gesture was purely in the interest of fostering unity and building bridges across Nigeria’s geopolitical divides.
When the time came for Nuhu Ribadu in 2011, a Northerner and former chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to step into the political arena, Tinubu was again at the forefront. He not only endorsed Ribadu’s candidacy but also provided the necessary support to project his vision for Nigeria.
Tinubu’s backing was a testament to his belief in Ribadu’s competence and integrity. Yet again, he demanded nothing in exchange for his efforts.
The most profound of Tinubu’s sacrifices for the North came during the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC). As the mastermind behind the coalition of opposition parties, Tinubu played a critical role in ensuring that Muhammadu Buhari, a Northerner, emerged as the flagbearer. This was a monumental moment in Nigeria’s political history, as it ended the dominance of the ruling party and ushered in a new era.
Tinubu’s strategic thinking and resourcefulness were instrumental in Buhari’s eventual victory. Despite his enormous contributions, Tinubu refrained from leveraging his influence for personal gain, focusing instead on the collective success of the party and the nation as the national leader of the APC.
Through these selfless actions, Tinubu demonstrated an exceptional commitment to the ideals of national unity and progress. His sacrifices for the North transcended political calculations, emphasizing a shared vision for a prosperous Nigeria.
Today, as Nigerians reflect on the nation’s journey, Tinubu’s legacy as a bridge-builder and a catalyst for transformation remains indelible.
Yusuf Ali, wrote in from Garki, Abuja.