Bola Ahmed Tinubu has come out victorious in the Nigeria’s highly disputed presidential election. Who is this veteran political and why is he widely regarded as a kingmaker and “godfather”?
Bola Tinubu’s presidential campaign slogan was “emi lo kan” in his native Yoruba — “It’s my turn.” On March 1 he emerged victorious in the race to lead Africa’s most populous democracy.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) confirmed that the former governor of Lagos secured over 8,8 million votes and the required 25% of votes in two-thirds of Nigeria’s 36 states and capital, a threshold to be confirmed president.
Meanwhile, the INEC said Peoples Democratic Party candidate Atiku Abubakar came second with 6.9 million votes. Labour Party candidate Peter Obi, who scored a major upset in Tinubu’s home state of Lagos, came third with 6.1 million votes.
Tinubu is to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari,a former general who has served the maximum two terms allowed by Nigeria’s constitution. Buhari is due to step down on May 29. read more
