How did a former accountant become the most powerful political godfather in Nigerian history?

Countries & Cities · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Bola Tinubu, the current president of Nigeria, rose from a career in accounting and oil auditing to become a master of political influence. Known for his tenure as governor of Lagos, his path to the presidency was marked by controversy, strategic alliances, and a campaign slogan that polarized the nation.

Born in 1952, Bola Tinubu’s early life remains a subject of public debate. After studying business and administration in Chicago during the 1970s, he returned to Nigeria to work as an auditor for Mobil Oil. His political career began in 1992 with a senate seat, but he soon entered exile following the 1993 annulled presidential election and the subsequent rise of General Sani Abacha. Upon his return in 1998, Tinubu served two terms as governor of Lagos state, earning credit for tax collection reforms and infrastructure projects.

Tinubu’s influence grew significantly after his governorship, earning him the moniker 'political godfather.' He was instrumental in forming the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2013, which propelled Muhammadu Buhari to the presidency in 2015. Despite his success, Tinubu has faced persistent allegations regarding his wealth and past conduct. Notably, in 1993, the United States government seized $460,000 from a bank account in his name following a complaint linking the funds to narcotics proceeds, though Tinubu was never formally charged and has consistently denied these claims.

The 2023 presidential election was a landmark event, featuring the first use of biometric data and electronic transmission for results. Despite technical failures and reports of disenfranchisement, Tinubu secured victory with nearly 37 percent of the vote. His campaign, defined by the slogan 'Emi lokan'—meaning 'It’s my turn'—drew criticism for its perceived entitlement. Sworn in on May 29, 2023, he now leads a nation grappling with insecurity, inflation, and unemployment, while his administration continues to face legal challenges from opposition candidates who contest the integrity of the electoral process.

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