How Tinubu’s Presidency was Revealed to Me back in 2010
By Bamidele Atoyebi
My vision for Nigeria’s leadership has never been a matter of mere political guesswork, it has been a long-standing conviction rooted in a series of articles I have authored over the years. From as far back as 2010, I have seen President Bola Ahmed Tinubu not just as a candidate, but as a leader destined for the presidency. This belief was further solidified by a personal dream I had, which revealed to me that his ascent was part of a divine plan for our nation.
The hand of God upon his leadership is a reality that many are now beginning to acknowledge, even those who once harboured doubts. Recently, David Umahi shared that he was personally told by God about this divine mandate, echoing the revelations I have felt and written about for over a decade. It is this spiritual alignment that convinces me that those contesting against him are merely exhausting their resources in a struggle against a predestined path.
The divine nature of this journey was recently underscored by Prince Tajudeen Olusi, the Lagos GAC Chairman, who reflected on the President’s beginnings in Ikeja.
During a recent event, he remarked: “All of us are very happy that God is allowing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to succeed, and that it is God who made him President. Let me remind some people who might have forgotten: this Ikeja where we are today is where President Tinubu started his political journey, God chose Ikeja as his starting point. From Ikeja, he rose to become a senator. When the time came to appoint the President of the Senate in 1992, he conducted himself with great humility and dignity, stepping aside for Iyorchia Ayu to assume the position. Because of that gesture, Chuba Okadigbo predicted at the time that Bola Ahmed Tinubu would one day become the President of Nigeria.”
I have consistently maintained that President Tinubu possesses a unique grace that sets him apart from his contemporaries in the political arena. His journey is defined by a rare combination of sacrifice, patience, and a selfless desire to see others succeed. These are the qualities that have brought him to this pinnacle of power, and they are the qualities that will sustain his administration.
Looking back at his political history, there are numerous examples of his willingness to step back so that others might lead for the sake of the collective good. Beyond his 1992 gesture, his career is marked by a consistent effort to push others toward success. We must all learn and tap into this grace of sacrifice if we wish to see our nation truly progress.
President Tinubu’s career is marked by a consistent effort to push others toward success, rather than pulling them down to climb higher. He has mastered the art of mentorship, tapping into a leadership style that prioritizes building a legacy over temporary personal gain.
We must all learn and tap into this grace of sacrifice if we wish to see our nation truly progress.
If more of our political leaders possessed even a fraction of this grace, our democracy would not be in its current state of political mess. For instance, the leadership of the ADC or other parties that find themselves in constant internal turmoil. Their lack of sacrifice and their focus on personal greed have led them into a cycle of embarrassment and factionalism.
Currently, we see several major political parties fracturing into four or five different groups even before they can hold a convention. These groups are often led by individuals who claim to be working to free Nigerian democracy, yet their actions prove otherwise. Their logic is rooted in greed and selfishness, which only serves to destabilize the very system they claim to protect.
In contrast to this chaos, the democracy of Nigeria is actually flourishing under the guidance of a true democrat. President Tinubu’s leadership at the helm of government provides a steady hand that is essential for our continued growth. Those who are protesting and embarrassing themselves are simply revealing their own lack of vision and discipline.
It is my firm belief that God wants President Tinubu to finish the good work he has started for this country. The progress we are seeing is not accidental; it is the result of a leader who understands the weight of his responsibility. We must be patient and allow this divine process to unfold, as his success is ultimately the nation’s success.
People often talk about how he pushed and supported Atiku under the AC, how he supported Nuhu Ribadu, or how he championed Osinbajo to become Vice President. They speak of his instrumental role in supporting Buhari’s presidency and helping several governors secure their seats across the country. Yet, as Prince Olusi reminded us, the roots of this success go back to that pivotal 1992 incident where he stepped down for the Senate leadership a profound act of political maturity.
I urge my fellow Nigerians to look beyond the noise of the opposition and recognize the grace that is at work. Political resources are being wasted by those who refuse to see the hand of God in our current leadership. Instead of fighting against the tide, we should be seeking ways to support the vision that has been set before us.
The patience and sacrifice that President Tinubu has shown throughout his life are lessons for all of us, regardless of our political affiliations. By putting others first and wishing them well, he has secured a place in history that few can rival. This is the new breed of leadership that I have often advocated for in my professional writing.
As this administration continues its journey, I will continue to document and analyze its impact through the lens of my convictions. Nigeria is on a path toward a more robust and flourishing democracy, led by a man who was chosen for this very throne. It is time for us to embrace this reality and move forward together as one people.
Bamidele Atoyebi is the Convener of BAT Ideological Group, National Coordinator of Accountability and Policy Monitoring and a publisher at Unfiltered and Mining Reporting
