By Samuel Idowu Togun
I was initially against the presidency of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and my first major criticism was his removal of fuel subsidy, which I openly addressed in an article I published on his second day in office. At the time, I feared the policy would increase hardship for ordinary Nigerians. Like many others, I questioned the timing and scale of the decision, concerned about its immediate impact on everyday lives.
However, leadership must be judged by performance, not perception. Over time, it became clear that President Tinubu was willing to make tough decisions that previous administrations avoided. He confronted entrenched structural challenges head-on, prioritizing long-term national stability over short-term popularity. It is this boldness that has begun to reshape Nigeria’s trajectory.
The results are becoming impossible to ignore. Nigeria’s economy has recorded impressive growth, with GDP expanding beyond 3 percent in 2024 and gaining further momentum in 2025. Investor confidence, both local and international, is returning as policies become clearer and more predictable. These achievements have caught the attention of the international community, including global financial institutions and prominent figures such as Elon Musk, who have publicly recognized Nigeria’s reform efforts and growing investment potential.
A major reason for this progress is President Tinubu’s commitment to appointing competent and experienced personnel into key positions. By placing the right people in the right offices, his administration has strengthened governance, improved policy execution, and enhanced institutional credibility. The results speak for themselves, and even skeptics are taking notice.
While challenges remain, particularly in the power sector and ongoing security concerns, my perspective has changed.
I, like many others who opposed his presidency, am now persuaded by performance, not politics or ethnicity. President Tinubu’s leadership demonstrates that courage, vision, and competent governance can win trust, transform perceptions, and steadily guide Nigeria toward a more stable and prosperous future.
Samuel Idowu Togun is a
Member, Energy Institute and writes from samtogun@aol.com
