The Politics of Magnanimity: Why Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains one of Nigeria’s most enduring political strategists

Beyond policy debates, election victories and ideological differences, leadership is often defined by intangible qualities that determine whether influence endures across generations. One of those qualities is magnanimity—the capacity to forgive, accommodate diverse interests, invest in people and build institutions that outlive personal ambition. Whether one supports or opposes President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, his political journey offers a compelling case study of how these attributes can translate into enduring political relevance.

Tinubu’s rise cannot be understood merely through electoral victories. It is rooted in more than three decades of relationship-building, strategic coalition formation and deliberate investment in political talent across Nigeria. As the only governor elected on the platform of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) in 2003 to retain his office after the party’s electoral collapse in the South-West, he became the principal rallying point for progressive politics. From that foundation emerged the Action Congress (AC), later the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), before the historic merger that produced the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2013—Nigeria’s first opposition coalition to successfully defeat a sitting ruling party at the presidential election.

Throughout this evolution, Tinubu repeatedly occupied the role of political architect rather than perpetual candidate. The AC fielded Atiku Abubakar as its presidential candidate in 2007, while the ACN presented Nuhu Ribadu in 2011. Following the formation of the APC, Tinubu supported Muhammadu Buhari’s presidential bid in 2015, helping forge the coalition that reshaped Nigeria’s political landscape. Supporters view these decisions as evidence of a leader willing, at key moments, to subordinate personal ambition to broader political strategy.

His political career is equally distinguished by an extraordinary record of talent development. The cabinet assembled during his tenure as Governor of Lagos State became one of the most influential leadership pipelines in contemporary Nigerian politics. From that circle emerged a Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo; successive governors of Lagos State; numerous ministers, senators, federal legislators, commissioners and senior public officials. Many of these leaders have publicly acknowledged Tinubu’s mentorship and strategic support in their political development.

Another frequently cited feature of his leadership is his willingness to reconcile with former political associates. Nigerian politics is often characterised by permanent rivalries, yet Tinubu has repeatedly rebuilt relationships with individuals who had previously opposed or departed from his political camp. To admirers, this reflects an uncommon ability to separate political disagreement from personal hostility and to prioritise long-term coalition building over short-term resentment.

His political choices have also reflected a preference for institution-building over personal office. After leaving the Lagos governorship in 2007, he did not immediately seek another elective position but remained deeply engaged in strengthening his political platform and mentoring emerging leaders. Supporters similarly point to his decision to back his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, through multiple successful Senate elections while he himself remained outside elective office until his presidential victory in 2023.

None of this diminishes legitimate criticism of his administration. His government’s economic reforms—including fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange liberalisation—continue to generate intense debate over their impact on inflation, household welfare and business confidence. These are important policy questions that deserve rigorous scrutiny. Yet separating governance performance from political leadership is equally important. A leader may face criticism over policy outcomes while still possessing organisational, strategic and coalition-building qualities worthy of serious study.

History ultimately judges political leaders not only by the offices they occupy but by the institutions they build, the leaders they produce and the alliances they sustain. By those measures, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has established himself as one of the most consequential political strategists of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic. His capacity to forgive, accommodate diverse interests, nurture talent and patiently construct political networks across regional and ideological divides remains, in the eyes of many observers, one of the defining characteristics behind his remarkable longevity and influence in Nigerian politics.

Mr Chinenye Nwaogu, a policy and development analyst, writes from Abuja, Nigeria.