Tinubu Was a Regional Champion, and Regional Champions Don't Necessarily Make Central Champions – Ex-Lawmaker Nnenna Ukeje

Tinubu Was a Regional Champion, and Regional Champions Don't Necessarily Make Central Champions – Ex-Lawmaker Nnenna Ukeje

Nnenna Ukeje is a member of the African Democratic Congress, and she has finally explained her decision not to support President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 election. Speaking in a recent interview, she said she grew up respecting Tinubu's political journey, describing him as a key opposition figure who challenged former President Olusegun Obasanjo. She acknowledged that Tinubu helped transform Lagos through policies that were continued by former governor Babatunde Raji Fashola, and she admired him for that.

However, she said that Tinubu sold many Nigerians the idea that Lagos was a "mini Nigeria" and projected himself as a leader who would govern inclusively. She bought into that vision, but her expectations were not met after he became president. She said, "I'm not angry, I'm disappointed," adding that her disappointment came from having high expectations that were not fulfilled. Her words are measured but cutting, disappointment can hurt more than anger because it comes from a place of belief. Ukeje's statement has sparked a conversation about the difference between regional and national leadership. She argued that being a successful governor or regional leader does not automatically translate into being a successful president. The skills required to run a state are different from those required to run a country of over 200 million people with diverse ethnic, religious, and economic interests. Tinubu, in her view, has struggled to make that transition.

The online space has been divided over her comments. Some people agree that Tinubu has failed to replicate his Lagos success at the national level, pointing to insecurity, economic hardship, and poor governance. Others argue that it is still early in his term and that comparing his performance as governor to his performance as president is unfair given the different challenges. Ukeje stands by her assessment, and she is not the only one who feels disappointed.