A prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Mr. Kehinde Olaosebikan, has expressed strong optimism that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second term in office will solidify Nigeria’s growth trajectory and lead to the emergence of a capable and visionary successor.
Speaking to journalists in Ibadan on Sunday, Olaosebikan affirmed that President Tinubu, with his vast political experience and tested leadership record, will not only transform Nigeria during his two terms in office but will also carefully groom and hand over power to a worthy successor by 2031.
According to the APC stalwart, Tinubu’s deep understanding of governance and strategic foresight will guide him in identifying and mentoring a successor with the same competence, innovation, and integrity—much like he did in Lagos State in 2007. He cited the example of Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, whom Tinubu endorsed as governor and who later earned national acclaim for his remarkable leadership.
Olaosebikan recalled that, at the time, Tinubu’s endorsement of Fashola—a relatively unknown but highly competent legal practitioner—demonstrated his knack for talent discovery and succession planning. “Fashola was not only the best among the candidates in 2007, but his performance as governor elevated Lagos into a benchmark for good governance across Nigeria,” he said.
He highlighted that under Fashola’s leadership, Lagos State expanded on the foundations laid by Tinubu, transforming into an economic powerhouse. “From generating around ₦600 million monthly in 1996, Lagos now records over ₦100 billion in internally generated revenue each month. In 2024 alone, the state internally generated more than ₦1.3 trillion, placing it as the second-largest economy in Africa,” he stated.
Olaosebikan stressed that such long-term achievements are evidence of Tinubu’s leadership legacy and his commitment to building enduring governance structures. He believes that, just as Lagos benefitted from Tinubu’s political vision, Nigeria will experience long-lasting gains if Tinubu completes a second term and carefully executes a seamless leadership transition.
He described the efforts by some political actors to discredit the president or disrupt his administration as misguided, unpatriotic, and detrimental to national progress. According to him, “The gang-up against President Tinubu is not only futile but counterproductive. It serves no purpose other than to derail the progress being made.”
The former Chief Press Secretary to the late Governor Lam Adesina emphasized that the Nigerian constitution provides for a two-term tenure for the president, and Tinubu is constitutionally entitled to that. He argued that the president’s continued leadership will be particularly beneficial to the northern region and the nation as a whole.
Olaosebikan further stated that President Tinubu is already laying down reforms and taking bold actions that are positioning Nigeria for sustained growth in industry, commerce, and the broader economy. “All that is required now is for Nigerians to rally behind him in unity, with prayers and support,” he urged.
He expressed confidence that before leaving office in 2031, President Tinubu will fully deploy his wealth of experience to ensure a strategic, smooth, and credible handover to a leader who will continue to build on his legacy.
Calling on critics and detractors, he appealed for restraint, tolerance, and national unity. “Those who oppose the president should let go of their bitterness and resentment. Nigeria is in safe and capable hands, and the future is indeed promising under President Tinubu’s leadership,” he concluded.
Mr. Olaosebikan, who previously served as the Chairman of Oluyole Local Government Area and was the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Lam Adesina between 1999 and 2003, is a long-standing political figure in Oyo State known for his strategic insights into governance and political development.