Muoboghare: Judge Tinubu by His Achievements, Not His Background

Prof. Patrick Muoboghare has urged Nigerians to look beyond the controversies surrounding President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s educational and family background, arguing that his difficult early life should not be used to diminish his achievements in public service.

According to him, even if some of the criticisms about Tinubu’s childhood, schooling and origins were accepted, they would not erase the accomplishments he has recorded in politics and governance.

Muoboghare said claims have been made that Tinubu did not attend primary or secondary school, while questions have also been raised about his name, parentage and place of origin. He noted that some accounts portray the President as an orphan who experienced extreme hardship, was unable to afford education and eventually moved to Lagos, where he was taken in by a family. “I agree with you,” Muoboghare said, stressing that even such an unfortunate background should not be the basis for dismissing a person’s later achievements.

He argued that Tinubu’s rise from what critics describe as an impoverished and uncertain background to becoming a professional accountant, politician, senator, governor and eventually President of Nigeria represents an extraordinary journey. Muoboghare maintained that his record in Lagos, particularly his years as governor, should be assessed on its own merits rather than through allegations concerning his early life. He described Tinubu as one of the most courageous political figures Nigeria has produced.

Muoboghare further likened Tinubu’s story to biblical accounts of unlikely individuals who were chosen for significant responsibilities. Referring to the biblical anointing of David, he argued that God can raise leaders from circumstances that appear insignificant or even impossible. He therefore cautioned those attacking Tinubu over his background to be mindful of the possibility that a person who emerges from difficult circumstances may ultimately accomplish what others consider impossible.

On Tinubu’s political leadership, Muoboghare said the President ranks among Nigeria’s most influential party leaders, placing him in the company of Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Sir Ahmadu Bello. He credited Tinubu with building and holding together a formidable political structure in Lagos and beyond, while noting that his influence has continued even after leaving the governorship. According to him, Tinubu’s political strength is demonstrated by his ability to maintain a loyal political team and remain a major force within the ruling party.

Muoboghare also defended some of the economic reforms undertaken by the Tinubu administration, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy and changes to the foreign-exchange system. He argued that these decisions required political courage and were intended to address longstanding structural problems. He said the reforms have also provided state and local governments with increased revenue, enabling many states to manage their debts and meet their obligations.

He dismissed the argument that the administration’s challenges should be judged through the lens of religious identity, particularly the Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket. Muoboghare maintained that Nigerians should focus on governance and security rather than whether a Christian or Muslim pairing occupies the presidency. He also called for stronger measures against insecurity and expressed support for the establishment of state police, arguing that local security structures could be more accountable to the people they serve.

Muoboghare concluded that Tinubu’s background, whether as described by his critics or otherwise, should not determine how Nigerians assess his presidency. He said he remained convinced that the President deserved support and that no amount of criticism about his childhood, education or origins would change his decision to vote for and campaign for Tinubu. For him, the President’s emergence from adversity into the highest political office in the country is, above all, a story of resilience, political determination and what he described as divine intervention.