If I were President Tinubu at this point in Nigeria’s history, my next 6 to 12 months in office would be marked by decisions that are bold, intense, and aimed directly at those who have sworn that this country will not work unless it benefits them. I would take actions that are unpopular, controversial, and possibly costly politically, but necessary.
First, I would stop worrying about consequences and confront, decisively and unapologetically, everyone funding crises in the North and supporting banditry across the nation. I would act without fear of whether I win the next election or not. My primary mission would be to wipe out insecurity before 2027, no matter whose interests are threatened by that decision.
Second, after dealing with insecurity, I would still do everything within my ethical and constitutional power to win the 2027 election. I understand the millions of Nigerians shouting that Tinubu does not deserve a second term, but the question is: does it even matter? If the people sponsoring insecurity and chaos remain untouched, who exactly will they allow to govern successfully? Who can lead Nigeria under a system where a small group can make the country ungovernable unless their interests are catered to?
Whether Tinubu is loved or hated, if I were in his shoes, I would aim for a second term not for personal glory, but because of what must happen next.
Once back in office, I would begin lobbying Nigerians across all regions, ethnicities, and political divides to support the complete regionalization of Nigeria. My agenda would be straightforward but transformative: to sponsor and push bills that would create six regional governments aligned with the country’s six geopolitical zones. Each region would have its own constitution, parliament, police, and internal security structures. They would function like semi-independent nations within a single Nigeria.
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At the center, we would maintain one federal government, but with far less power than it currently holds. To ensure fairness, leadership of the central government would rotate among the six zones, each one serving a single four-year, non-renewable term. The central government’s primary responsibility would be to ensure that no region obstructs or undermines another. If one region attempts to dominate or oppress the others, the remaining five would have the authority to act collectively to correct the imbalance.
Would this come with challenges? Absolutely. But every meaningful nation-building effort does. And at this stage in Nigeria’s development, the way the country is structured makes it nearly impossible for any president, yes, even Peter Obi to succeed. The entrenched interests that undermine leaders will continue doing so unless the entire system is redesigned.
I don’t personally support the current Tinubu-led APC government but I also do not see anyone else in power at this time with the courage and stubbornness to confront the people who profit from Nigeria’s dysfunction. If this battle must be fought, let it be fought completely. Tinubu should not shy away from confronting the northern political elite or anyone else enabling instability. He should not repeat Jonathan’s mistake of stepping aside out of fear.
Win a second term. Restructure Nigeria into six regional governments. Reduce the central government’s ability to be hijacked. Build a system where no region can hold the rest of the country hostage.
Credit to Dan Abasa
