Jagaban's world

Nigeria: Who’s who in Tinubu’s network: Family, friends, politicians and business allies

By Patrick Smith, ‘Tofe Ayeni

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Posted on March 25, 2021 15:58

Opposition leader and former Lagos state governor, Tinubu of the All Progressives’ Congress addresses the APC leadership meeting in Abuja © Lagos state governor, Bola Tinubu in Abuja February 17, 2015. REUTERS/Afolabi Sotunde
Lagos state governor, Bola Tinubu in Abuja February 17, 2015. REUTERS/Afolabi Sotunde

Understand the power of Nigeria’s best-networked politician: Bola Tinubu has spent a lifetime constructing alliances across regional and party lines. From family, to historical allies, from political enemies to business partners.

As contenders for the 2023 presidential do their best to evade the label of frontrunner, The Africa Report will be delving into the relationships and key personnel behind the contenders.

Who is Bola Tinubu?

The current national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is known by different titles: Asiwaju Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu; the Jagaban of Borgo Kingdom; the Lion of Bourdillon and ‘Governor-General of Lagos’. But one thing is for certain; in Nigeria he is well known.

His persona and political organisation have continued to dominate Lagos since the end of his last term as governor in 2007: it comes down to influence and relationships.

Governors who succeeded Tinubu in Lagos were seen by many as having been trained by him and ‘placed’ in the gubernatorial seat. When one clashed with the Lagos godfather, as was the case with Akinwunmi Ambode, they were removed.

Allegedly born

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