From Critic to Convert: How Tinubu’s Performance Changed My Mind

I was among those who opposed the presidency of Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the outset. My reservations became public barely two days into his administration, when I criticised his decision to remove fuel subsidy. At the time, I feared the policy would deepen hardship for ordinary Nigerians. Like many citizens, I questioned both the timing and scale of the move, worried about its immediate impact on daily living.
With time, however, I have come to appreciate a fundamental truth: leadership should be assessed by performance, not perception.
As the months unfolded, it became increasingly evident that President Tinubu was prepared to take difficult decisions that successive administrations had avoided. Rather than preserve politically convenient structures, he chose to confront long-standing economic distortions head-on, prioritising long-term national stability over short-term popularity.
Gradually, the results have become difficult to dismiss.
Nigeria’s economy has recorded measurable growth, with Gross Domestic Product expanding beyond three per cent in 2024 and gaining further momentum in 2025. Investor confidence—both domestic and foreign—is returning as government policies become clearer, more consistent and predictable.
These developments have not gone unnoticed. International financial institutions and global business figures, including Elon Musk, have publicly acknowledged Nigeria’s reform efforts and renewed investment potential, signalling a shift in global perception.
A key driver of this progress has been President Tinubu’s emphasis on competence in governance. By appointing experienced and capable individuals to strategic positions, his administration has strengthened policy execution, restored institutional credibility and improved overall governance outcomes.
While Nigeria continues to face challenges—particularly in the power sector and in addressing lingering security concerns—my outlook has undeniably changed.
Like many who initially opposed his presidency, I am now persuaded not by politics, ethnicity or sentiment, but by tangible results. President Tinubu’s leadership has shown that courage, vision and competent governance can earn trust, reshape public opinion and steadily steer the nation toward a more stable and prosperous future.
Samuel Idowu Togun is a member of the Energy Institute and writes from samtogun@aol.com.