Former Kaduna Central senator, Shehu Sani, has declared that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu bears a historic responsibility to redefine Nigeria’s trajectory, warning that failure to deliver on his mandate could make it difficult for any subsequent president to succeed.
Speaking during a televised interview on TVC News, Sani described the current administration as standing at a pivotal point in the nation’s history. He said President Tinubu has the “unique opportunity to reshape and reconfigure the destiny of this country,” adding that how the administration handles key national challenges will determine the future of leadership in Nigeria.
According to Sani, “If President Tinubu fails, it will be difficult for any other president to succeed. This is a defining moment for Nigeria, and the actions taken now will shape the next two to three decades.”
He urged the president to prioritize competence and merit over political loyalty in his appointments, noting that Tinubu’s record of assembling competent hands during his time as Lagos State governor should serve as a guiding model at the national level. “The standard he set in Lagos, where he brought the best people to lead, must now be applied nationwide,” he said.
Sani, who is also a human rights activist and social critic, lamented the growing hostility in Nigeria’s political culture, describing it as “toxic and combative.” He said such an environment has made governance difficult, as the ruling party often sees the opposition as enemies rather than partners in progress. “Our politics is so toxic that those in government see the opposition as adversaries, while those outside power view government as an enemy,” he said.
The former lawmaker noted that great nations of the world — such as China, Singapore, and Indonesia — achieved transformation by embracing tough reforms and long-term vision. He urged Tinubu to emulate such examples by making bold decisions, even if they are initially unpopular, stressing that leadership is about sacrifice and foresight.
Sani’s remarks come amid growing national debates over the government’s economic reforms and social policies, following the removal of fuel subsidies and the floating of the naira, which have led to inflation and increased cost of living. While some citizens have praised Tinubu’s boldness in tackling long-standing fiscal challenges, others have criticized the pace and impact of the reforms.
Political observers say Sani’s comments underscore a broader sentiment that the Tinubu administration’s success or failure could define the credibility of political leadership in Nigeria for years to come.
So far, the presidency has not issued an official response to Sani’s remarks.