by Akin Awofolaju, PhD (Neuroeconomist)
Preface: This article aims to be constructive, balanced, and emotionally resonant while acknowledging both the hardships Nigerians face and the political resilience of President Tinubu’s administration.
Nigeria’s political history is a story of contradictions. It is a nation blessed with immense human and natural resources, yet burdened by recurring economic hardship, insecurity, corruption, and governance challenges. Every administration inherits a mixture of hope and disappointment, promises and realities. In such a complex environment, leadership is often judged not by the absence of problems but by the ability to navigate them.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office at one of the most difficult periods in Nigeria’s recent history. Inflation was rising, public debt was mounting, foreign exchange challenges were crippling businesses, fuel subsidy payments were draining government resources, and public confidence in government institutions was fragile.
Many predicted that his administration would struggle under the weight of these inherited challenges.
Yet, despite intense criticism, economic pains, and political opposition, there are signs that President Tinubu is gradually consolidating political and institutional victories. This reality reflects an important lesson: sometimes good emerges from difficult and unpopular decisions.
The Courage to Confront Long-Avoided Problems
For decades, successive governments recognized the unsustainable nature of fuel subsidies but lacked the political will to remove them. The subsidy regime consumed trillions of naira, encouraged corruption, promoted smuggling, and diverted resources away from infrastructure, healthcare, and education.
President Tinubu’s immediate removal of the subsidy was painful and controversial. Transportation costs increased. Food prices rose. Many households experienced economic hardship.
Critics saw only the pain.
However, history often shows that reforms are judged differently over time. The removal of subsidies forced Nigeria to confront an economic reality that had been postponed for years.
While citizens continue to bear significant costs, the policy has opened a national conversation about fiscal responsibility, transparency, and economic sustainability.
Good sometimes emerges from difficult medicine.
Political Stability in a Divided Nation
Nigeria remains one of the most diverse nations in the world, with hundreds of ethnic groups, multiple religious identities, and competing regional interests. Governing such a nation requires more than policy expertise; it requires political skill.
One area where Tinubu has demonstrated strength and resilience is coalition building. Despite fierce electoral competition and legal challenges after the 2023 elections, democratic institutions remained intact. Kudos to BAT.
The judiciary, legislature, and executive continued to function without major constitutional crises.
In many developing democracies, disputed elections can trigger prolonged instability. Nigeria avoided such a scenario. The political temperature gradually reduced, allowing governance to continue.
This may not generate headlines, but political stability remains one of the administration’s significant achievements.
Economic Reforms and Long Term Vision
Many Nigerians understandably focus on present hardships. Rising living costs affect everyday life and shape public perception. Yet economic transformation often requires a longer horizon.
The government’s efforts to unify foreign exchange markets, attract investment, increase non-oil revenue, and improve tax administration are designed to address structural weaknesses that have existed for decades.
Critics question the pace and effectiveness of these reforms. Supporters argue that fundamental economic corrections are rarely painless.
Both perspectives have merit.
What cannot be denied is that the administration has chosen reform over postponement. Whether these reforms ultimately succeed will depend on implementation, transparency, and the government’s ability to cushion vulnerable citizens.
Winning Beyond Popularity
Political success is not always measured by applause. Some leaders win elections but fail to govern. Others face criticism while laying foundations whose benefits emerge years later.
President Tinubu’s political strength lies partly in his ability to remain focused amid intense opposition. He continues to pursue policies that many previous administrations avoided. His government has maintained political control despite economic turbulence, social media criticism, and opposition pressure.
In this sense, he is winning not because every citizen is satisfied, but because his administration continues to advance its agenda despite enormous resistance.
History offers many examples of leaders whose most important decisions were initially unpopular.
The Challenge Ahead
Acknowledging achievements does not mean ignoring shortcomings. Millions of Nigerians continue to struggle with inflation, unemployment, insecurity, and declining purchasing power. Economic statistics alone cannot feed families.
The ultimate test of the Tinubu administration will not be policy announcements but measurable improvements in the lives of ordinary Nigerians. Citizens need affordable food, reliable electricity, quality education, accessible healthcare, and security.
Political victories must eventually translate into human victories.
Finding Good in the Bad
The Nigerian experience teaches an important lesson:
Crises often create opportunities for transformation.
Difficult reforms can produce future gains.
Public criticism can improve governance. Economic hardship can force overdue structural changes.
There is indeed good in the bad.
Nigeria’s current political landscape is filled with challenges, uncertainty, and legitimate concerns.
Yet it is also a period of bold decisions, institutional resilience, and renewed conversations about the nation’s future.
Whether President Tinubu’s reforms ultimately succeed remains a question that history will answer. But one thing is clear: despite enormous odds, intense scrutiny, and widespread skepticism, he has demonstrated remarkable political resilience.
For Nigeria, the hope is that this resilience will not merely sustain power but will deliver lasting prosperity, strengthen institutions, and create opportunities for future generations.
The true victory will not belong to any politician. It will belong to the Nigerian people.
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