Bola Tinubu Named Among TIME Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People of 2023

Nigeria’s President-elect, Bola Tinubu, has earned a spot on TIME magazine’s prestigious list as one of the 100 most influential people in the world.

The list includes a diverse range of individuals from various fields, including politics, entertainment, sports, and technology. Some notable names on the list alongside Tinubu include King Charles III of the United Kingdom, US President Joe Biden, US Senator Mitch McConnell, Argentine footballer Lionel Messi, and Twitter CEO Elon Musk.

However, the inclusion of entertainers on the list underscores the significant impact of pop culture in shaping the world. Some entertainers who made the cut this year include US actor Michael B. Jordan, singer Beyoncé, and actress Angela Bassett.

Tinubu’s inclusion on the list is undoubtedly a nod to his influence in Nigerian politics. As a former governor of Lagos State and a founding member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Tinubu has been a significant force in Nigerian politics for over two decades. His endorsement played a crucial role in securing the APC’s victory in the 2015 presidential election, which saw the incumbent Goodluck Jonathan ousted from power.

Tinubu’s profile in Time magazine describes his election as the President of Nigeria as a significant achievement in a country of over 200 million people. Tinubu’s supporters call him “Jagaban,” which means ‘leader of the warriors.’ He had been preparing for this moment for nearly two decades. His campaign slogan “It’s my turn” referred to his previous role as a political power broker.

The election was not without controversy, as Tinubu won with the ruling All Progressives Congress party by a slim margin over his closest rivals, Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi. This election was the first time Nigerian voters had contended with a third-party candidate. Many young Nigerians yearning for change had pinned their hopes on Obi, and allegations of intimidation and vote rigging marred the outcome of the ballot, which is being challenged in court.

Tinubu’s victory comes at a time when Nigeria is facing numerous challenges, including deep-rooted corruption, religious insurgencies, and shortages of cash, fuel, and power in a struggling economy. Tinubu is aware of the challenges ahead and emphasized the need to unite the country in his acceptance speech, stating that “Nigeria is one country, and we must build it together.”

As a former governor of Lagos, Tinubu has already demonstrated his political acumen and leadership qualities. He played a vital role in restoring democracy to Nigeria in 1999 after fighting military rule and served two consecutive terms as governor of Lagos. With his experience and determination to unify the country, Nigerians are hopeful that Tinubu will lead Nigeria towards progress and prosperity.