In a recent interview on SYMFONI TV, Kassim Afegbua, a former Commissioner in Edo State and a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), recounted how former military president General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) played an instrumental role in Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s political emergence.
Afegbua explained during a television interview that Tinubu originally went to see IBB with the intent of supporting another candidate’s Senate ambition. However, the meeting took an unexpected turn when IBB suggested that Tinubu himself should run for Senate. This advice was pivotal and marked the beginning of Tinubu’s foray into politics.
According to Afegbua, spurred by IBB’s encouragement, Tinubu contested and won a senatorial seat, representing Lagos West in the short-lived Third Republic. This early legislative experience laid the groundwork for his subsequent political successes and leadership roles.
He stated that Tinubu’s political career grew significantly from that point, culminating in his election as Governor of Lagos State in 1999. His influence expanded nationally over the years, ultimately leading to his election as Nigeria’s president in 2023. According to Afegbua, it was IBB’s initial encouragement that set the wheels of this journey in motion.
Afegbua emphasized that IBB’s recognition of Tinubu’s capabilities came at a time when others may not have seen his potential. He believes this moment illustrates IBB’s role in nurturing democratic leadership in Nigeria, despite his military background.
He said, “When he went to see IBB as Head of State, to make a case for someone else, IBB said, ‘What is wrong with you?. Why do you want someone else to run for Senate when you can also run?’.
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