Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been named one of TIME magazine’s 100 Most Influential People of 2023. Also on the list are the King of the United Kingdom, King Charles III; US President Joe Biden; and US Senator Mitch McConnell. More people on the list include Argentine footballer Lionel Messi and Twitter CEO Elon Musk, amongst others.
Some entertainers on the list included US actor Michael B. Jordan; US singer Beyonce; and US actress Angela Bassett, amongst others.
Tinubu’s profile in TIME magazine read, “Winning an election in Africa’s most populous country is no easy feat.” So, Nigeria’s newly elected President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had nearly two decades to prepare. He is popularly known as Jagaban, or “leader of the warriors,” by his supporters. Furthermore, the now 71-year-old ran in a presidential election for the first time this March.
His campaign slogan, “It’s my turn,” was in agreement with his role as a longtime political power broker. In addition, Tinubu helped restore the country’s democracy in 1999 after fighting military rule. Then he served two consecutive terms as governor of Lagos.
“But Tinubu’s win with the ruling All Progressives Congress party came in a fraught election.” However, by a slim margin over Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi.
Subsequently, it was the first time Nigeria has had a third-party candidate. Notwithstanding, many discontented young Nigerians yearning for change pinned their hopes on Obi. The election was marred by allegations of intimidation and vote-rigging. So, the outcome of the ballot is being challenged in court.
Tinubu will face a litany of crises in a fractured nation. Challenges include deep-rooted corruption, religious insurgencies, and shortages of cash, fuel, and power in a crumbling economy.
In spite of that, the president-elect seems aware of his inheritance. “Nigeria is one country, and we must build it together,” he said in his acceptance speech. “TIME magazine is in agreement that the president-elect deserves to be on the list.