By Moshood Abiola
A keen study into Tinubu’s conquest gave me a deep comparative insight into his political strategy. Like the crocodile, Asiwaju Tinubu understands the importance of timing, knowing when to lie in wait and when to strike with decisive force. His rise from a formidable Lagos kingmaker to Nigeria’s president has shown this in an observable manner.
Rising to the top through calculated strategy, endurance, and an unrivaled ability to navigate complex political terrains distinguished him from his peers. Just as the crocodile dominates its ecosystem, for decades, Asiwaju Tinubu, has shaped Nigeria’s political landscape with foresight and tactical brilliance. He started by first studying his Terrain, winning his terrain and expanding from there.
I discovered that One of the crocodile’s greatest strengths is its adaptability—it thrives in both water and land, adjusting seamlessly to changing environments. Similarly, Tinubu has demonstrated an extraordinary capacity to evolve with Nigeria’s shifting political tides. From the pro-democracy struggles of the 1990s to building a national political empire, he has remained relevant by anticipating trends and forging strategic alliances.
His incomparable ability to unite diverse factions under the All Progressives Congress (APC) and lead it to victory in 2015 and 2023 speaks to his crocodile-like skill in turning challenges into opportunities.
The crocodile is also a master tactician, using stealth and patience to secure its objectives. Tinubu’s political maneuvers reflect this same shrewdness. Whether outmaneuvering opponents, consolidating power without unnecessary noise, or making bold decisions like the fuel subsidy removal—despite its short-term pain—he has shown a willingness to take calculated risks for long-term gains.
Like the crocodile’s ambush, his actions are often misunderstood in the moment but later reveal deeper strategic intent, such as laying the groundwork for economic reforms that future generations may appreciate. He did this in Lagos, and he’s doing it in Nigeria.
Another lesson from the crocodile is resilience—despite external threats, it remains a dominant force in its domain. Tinubu’s political endurance mirrors this trait. Even in the face of fierce opposition, allegations, and Nigeria’s complex socio-economic crises, he has maintained his influence and composure. His leadership during the 2023 elections, where he overcame formidable odds and legal battles, proves his crocodile-like tenacity.
Where others would have retreated, Tinubu stood firm, reinforcing his reputation as a leader who cannot be easily shaken.
Ultimately, the crocodile survives because it respects the balance of nature—it is both predator and preserver. Similarly, Tinubu’s political sagacity lies not just in gaining power but in knowing how to wield it. His investments in human capital, infrastructure, and political mentorship have created a legacy beyond personal ambition. While critics focus on short-term turbulence, history shall judge Tinubu as a leader whose strategic vision laid the foundation for a stronger Nigeria.
Like the crocodile, Tinubu’s greatest strength is his ability to endure, adapt, and dominate—a testament to his unparalleled political wisdom.
| Abiola writes from Lagos