Nigerian Politics: The Tinubu Re-election Drama Begins Early
In what appears to be the opening salvo of political posturing ahead of the 2027 Nigerian presidential election, Lagos local government chairman Dele Oshinowo finds himself caught in a web of allegations regarding loyalty to President Bola Tinubu.
The chairman of Agboyi-Ketu Local Council Development Area has vehemently denied reports that he or his aides threatened to withhold support for Tinubu’s re-election bid a curious development given that Tinubu has barely completed his first few months in office.
Political Theater or Genuine Concern?
The denial raises interesting questions about the state of Nigerian politics. Why would such allegations surface so early in Tinubu’s presidency? The timing suggests internal APC jockeying has already begun, with various factions positioning themselves for future advantage.
What’s particularly notable is Oshinowo’s dual role as both local council chairman and Director of Outreach for the “Grassroots Mobilisation for Tinubu 2027 Re-election Project.” The existence of such an organization less than four months into Tinubu’s presidency speaks volumes about the perpetual campaign mentality in Nigerian politics.
The Loyalty Test
Nigerian political culture often revolves around displays of loyalty to patrons. Oshinowo’s forceful denial can be read as an attempt to pass this loyalty test. His statement emphasizes that his political career has been based on “merit and dedication” rather than “imposition or disloyalty” terms that hint at the patronage system underlying much of Nigerian politics.
The Owode Onirin Complication
Adding another layer to this political drama is the allegation connecting Oshinowo to the demolition of Owode Onirin market and Odogun community. While he denies involvement, describing it as a dispute between locals and the Onikoro family, the accusation demonstrates how quickly land issues become politicized in Lagos, one of Africa’s most valuable real estate markets.
Reading Between the Lines
What remains unsaid in this public drama may be most telling. Neither the original allegations nor the denial addresses substantive policy issues facing Lagos residents. The focus remains squarely on political allegiance rather than governance outcomes.
As President Tinubu’s administration attempts to navigate Nigeria’s complex economic and security challenges, this early emergence of re-election politics suggests that the business of actual governance may once again take a backseat to political theatrics.
For now, Chairman Oshinowo continues to pledge his “unwavering loyalty” to Tinubu a reminder that in Nigerian politics, personal allegiance often trumps policy concerns, and the next campaign begins almost as soon as the last election ends.Retry
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Nigerian Politics: The Tinubu Re-election Drama Begins Early