Ahmed Tinubu, born on March 29, 1952, is a Nigerian politician serving as the 16th and incumbent President of Nigeria.
Previously, he held the position of Governor of Lagos State from 1999 to 2007, and represented Lagos West as a senator during the Third Republic.
Early life and Education
Bola Ahmed Adekunle Tinubu, born into the merchant family of Abibatu Mogaji, the Ìyál’ọ́jà of Lagos, was raised in Lagos. While his birth year is generally accepted as 1952 according to reliable sources, some political opponents dispute this, claiming he is older. However, his exact age remains unverified according to certain reliable sources.
In terms of education, Tinubu attended St. John’s Primary School in Lagos before continuing his studies at Children Home School in Ibadan. He pursued his undergraduate studies in the United States, initially at Richard J. Daley College in Chicago and later at Chicago State University, where he graduated in 1979 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting.
Career
Tinubu’s professional journey commenced with roles as an accountant in renowned American firms such as Arthur Andersen, Deloitte, and GTE Services Corporation. Upon his return to Nigeria in 1983, he joined Mobil Oil Nigeria, eventually rising to a leadership position within the company.
His entry into politics dates back to 1991 when he joined the Social Democratic Party. In 1992, Tinubu was elected to the Senate, representing the Lagos West constituency during the Third Nigerian Republic. Following the annulment of the 12 June 1993 presidential elections, he co-founded the National Democratic Coalition to advocate for democracy restoration.
During the military rule of General Sani Abacha, Tinubu went into exile in 1994, returning to Nigeria after Abacha’s demise in 1998, which marked the transition to the Fourth Nigerian Republic.
Tinubu’s political influence solidified during his tenure as Governor of Lagos State from 1999 to 2007. He initiated infrastructural projects to accommodate the state’s growing population and faced challenges with the federal government over the creation of new Local Council Development Areas.
His involvement in national politics intensified with the formation of the Action Congress (AC) and later the All Progressives Congress (APC). Tinubu supported General Muhammadu Buhari’s presidential bids and played a pivotal role in the APC’s victory in the 2015 and 2019 elections.
In January 2022, Tinubu declared his candidacy for the Nigerian presidency, ultimately winning the APC’s nomination in June 2022. He emerged victorious in the 2023 presidential election, assuming office on 29 May 2023.
As president, Tinubu initiated significant policy changes, including the removal of fuel subsidies and the overhaul of the financial sector. His administration witnessed the suspension of key figures like the governor of the central bank and the chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Tinubu’s presidency also marked a shift in national security strategy, with civilian control over the military and a purge of the armed forces’ leadership. Despite criticisms, he embarked on diplomatic visits to Paris and London while facing calls for a coalition government and the formation of his cabinet within legal constraints.
In August 2023, Tinubu advocated for military intervention in the Nigerien crisis, sparking controversy. His appointment of family members to key positions, such as his son-in-law as head of the Federal Housing Authority, faced criticism for alleged nepotism in February 2024.
Personal life
In 1987, Tinubu married Oluremi Tinubu, a former senator who represented the Lagos Central senatorial district. They share three children: Zainab Abisola Tinubu, Habibat Tinubu, and Olayinka Tinubu. Additionally, Tinubu has three children from previous relationships: Kazeem Olajide Tinubu (1974–2017), Folashade Tinubu (born 1976), and Oluwaseyi Tinubu (born 1985).
Tragically, Tinubu’s mother, Abibatu Mogaji, passed away on 15 June 2013 at the age of 96. Furthermore, his son, Jide Tinubu, passed away on 31 October 2017, in London.
Tinubu follows the Muslim faith.
Net Worth
Undisclosed