Can President Tinubu Break the Mold of Nigeria’s Past Presidents?

The leadership role in any country cannot be underestimated. So, does President Bola Ahmed Tinubu bring something new to Nigeria’s leadership, or is he building on what past presidents have done? When it comes to how he governs and the changes he makes, Tinubu combines ideas from previous leaders while also putting his own spin on things.

For example, Tinubu’s way of sharing power with others, known as decentralised governance, is similar to what former President Olusegun Obasanjo did. Both rely on political alliances to get things done. Tinubu, like Obasanjo, focuses on fixing the economy. 

But some of his policies, like removing fuel subsidies to cut government spending, are bold moves that remind many of Muhammadu Buhari’s strong economic reforms. Unlike Buhari, who liked to keep control tightly in his hands, Tinubu trusts experts and technocrats to handle many government tasks. This is a bit like how Goodluck Jonathan led, with a focus on calm and diplomatic management.

When it comes to politics, Tinubu is very practical and careful, much like Ibrahim Babangida was during his time. But while Babangida ruled with the military’s backing, Tinubu works within a democratic system and uses political partnerships rather than force. 

He doesn’t rely on popular support from ordinary people as much as presidents like Umaru Musa Yar’Adua or Shehu Shagari did. Instead, Tinubu is more focused on changing government institutions to make them work better.

Security is one of Nigeria’s biggest problems. Buhari mainly used military action to fight issues like terrorism. Tinubu is taking a different path, using long-term changes and economic programs to reduce violence and unrest. This is similar to Jonathan’s style, who tried to solve conflicts by talking and making peace deals.

As Nigeria goes through Tinubu’s presidency, his leadership looks like a mix of old and new ideas, adjusted for today’s problems. Whether his way will bring big changes or just continue what others started is something only time will tell.