Tinubu Can Still Play Kingmaker in Lagos’ Governorship Elections: 5 Ways  

The gubernatorial election is in a few days away, one name that continues to run round in Lagos State and the country at large is Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The former governor of Lagos State and the president-elect of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has been a key figure in the Lagos gubernatorial elections for decades with his influence felt across the country.

His feat in Lagos recently looked imminent as he came second after Peter Obi of Labour Party in the just concluded presidential elections. Despite this recent setback, Tinubu remains a force to be reckoned with, particularly in the state of Lagos. 

Many people believe that Tinubu could still play a significant role as a kingmaker in the upcoming governorship elections, using his considerable influence to sway voters and support his chosen candidate, while others feel his control of the state has crumbled.

Mobilization of Voters

Tinubu is known for his strategic political moves and impressive mobilization skills. One of the ways he could sway the governorship election is through his ability to mobilize voters. As a political leader with significant resources, he can use his influence and connections to reach a wide range of people across various levels and communities.

With his political clout and influence in the country, it remains to be seen how he will leverage his mobilization skills in the upcoming gubernatorial elections, but one thing is certain, his influence is not to be underestimated.

Fundraising

Tinubu has long been recognized as a skilled fundraiser, using his  influence to gather resources and support for his political campaigns and for his chosen candidates. Most importantly, running for governorship positions across the country.

His fundraising efforts have helped him build a strong political machine that has enabled him to exert significant influence over the political landscape in the state, which can help him influence the forthcoming gubernatorial election.

Coalition-building

One of the most effective strategies that Tinubu can use to play kingmaker in the forthcoming election is through his rallying of stakeholders. This has brought together various political parties and interest groups  to forge a formidable front that has helped him secure victories for his preferred candidates in several elections.

This coalition building strategy involves reaching out to various stakeholders, including other political leaders, interest groups, and even the electorate, to build a broad-based support base for his candidates. As the gubernatorial elections draw nearer, all eyes will be on him to see how he deploys his coalition building skills to influence the outcome of the elections.

Negotiation

One of the ways he can influence the outcome is through negotiation ahead of the the governorship elections. Tinubu’s negotiation skills have been honed through years of experience in politics and business, and he has shown himself to be adept at forging alliances and building coalitions.

He can also use his bargaining power to negotiate a favorable deal for a particular candidate, such as securing their position as a running mate or cabinet member.

Through negotiation, the political juggernaut can sway the outcome of a governorship election by working with other influential political figures to secure the support of key voting blocs. He can achieve this through his extensive network of contacts to bring together different interest groups that benefit his party.

Endorsement of his Chosen Candidate

The endorsement of Babajide Sanwo-Olu by Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is a huge boost ahead of the upcoming gubernatorial elections in Lagos State. Tinubu is a highly influential figure in Lagos politics and his endorsement has helped to galvanize support for Sanwo-Olu among party faithfuls and the general public. 

Sanwo-Olu’s campaign has benefited from the credibility and popularity of the president-elect, who is widely respected for his role in transforming Lagos State into a major economic and political powerhouse. With Tinubu’s endorsement behind him, Sanwo-Olu could win the gubernatorial elections.