Tinubu Understood US, Lagos Politics Better Than Nigeria Before 2023 — Akande
Chief Bisi Akande, the pioneer national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has disclosed that President Bola Tinubu’s understanding of Nigerian politics was limited before his presidency in 2023.
Speaking on State of the Nation, a podcast hosted by radio broadcaster Edmund Obilo, Akande stated that before becoming president, Tinubu was far more knowledgeable about finance than Nigerian politics. He emphasized that Tinubu, while well-versed in the politics of the United States and Lagos, was not familiar with the political landscape of Nigeria.
“Before he became president, he knew very little about Nigeria’s politics,” Akande said. “He may know a lot about the politics of America and the politics of Lagos, but he was very ignorant about Nigerian politics. But now that he is the president, I don’t know how much he may have known.”
Despite this, Akande acknowledged that since Tinubu became president, he must have gained much more political insight.
In the interview, Akande also reflected on his pivotal role in encouraging Tinubu to run for president, despite Tinubu’s initial reluctance due to health concerns. The former Osun State governor explained that when he first suggested the idea of a presidential bid to Tinubu, he had been hesitant, mentioning his struggles with arthritis. However, Akande convinced him that he was the best candidate the Yoruba could present for the race.
Akande’s encouragement and persuasion ultimately led to Tinubu entering the 2023 presidential election, which he won.
