In a rare and incisive media appearance, Hon. Adekunle Abdulkabir Akinlade, former House of Representatives member and 2023 Ogun State PDP Deputy Governorship candidate, has shared bold perspectives on Nigeria’s current political trajectory.

Speaking with unmistakable clarity, he addressed the state of the nation, the morality of political defections, and offered a striking analysis of President Bola Tinubu’s leadership style and preparedness.

“Nation-building is not a sprint—it’s a relay”, Responding to rising public frustration, Akinlade acknowledged Nigeria’s socioeconomic challenges but warned against a culture of political impatience. He urged citizens to evaluate governance based on long-term goals rather than temporary discomfort.

According to him, “We cannot microwave development. Progress takes time, structure, and deliberate leadership. We must sustain the present pace of our national development and prosperity.”

On defections as a political heavy weight, he maintained that defections are signals, not scandals.

On the contentious issue of political realignment, Akinlade has a deep party man has maintained his ground and solidly defended party defections and described it as a valid component of democratic growth.

Carefully listening to him as a political expert made it clear that internal crises and policy disagreements often necessitate a shift in political alignment—not out of desperation, but as a realignment with values and people.

I qoute him, “There is no crime in switching parties. What matters is your reason. When a platform no longer matches your mission, and it no longer reflects your constituents’ reality, it becomes strategic to move.”

This is a man who has tested the depth of political parties and spoke with deep insight as he referenced his recent departure from the PDP in Ogun State.

Tinubu’s Rise: “This Man Prepared for the Presidency”
Perhaps the most riveting moment of his discourse came when Akinlade offered an unfiltered take on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s emergence as Nigeria’s leader. Drawing a contrast between Tinubu and his predecessors, he said: “No President before Bola Tinubu was truly prepared for the job. From Obasanjo to Buhari, the mantle of leadership was either handed over or acquired through providence.”

Akinlade elaborated: Obasanjo was “chosen” by the military elite from prison in a bid to appease the South after the June 12 crisis.

Yar’Adua, though capable, was reluctant and was selected by Obasanjo himself.

Goodluck Jonathan was catapulted into power by fate, not design.

Buhari came to power through broad northern bargaining but, in Akinlade’s view, failed to fulfill his end of the agreement.

But Tinubu, Akinlade explained, was different.

“Tinubu planned for the presidency. He studied it, built it, supported others, installed one, and waited patiently for his time. When the opportunity came, he rose gallantly against all odds.”

According to Akinlade, it is therefore no surprise that Tinubu appears calm, focused, and unshaken in the face of public pressure and opposition criticism.

“I’m shocked that people are shocked by his decisiveness. He knew what he wanted, and he’s executing it without flinching.”

As a student of geopolitical economy, Akinlade revealed he is currently studying Tinubu’s leadership philosophy, believing that someday, it will become an academic case study.

“Mark my words—Tinubu’s political strategy will be studied at Harvard and Ivy League institutions globally.”

2027 and Beyond: “It’s Policy Over Personality Now”

Looking ahead to the next general election, Akinlade forecasted a shift in public expectations and political benchmarks. He predicted that 2027 will usher in a new era of issue-based politics and rigorous voter scrutiny.

“This time around, Nigerians won’t just vote for who they like—they’ll vote for who has a plan. We’re now in an era where performance matters more than personality.”

A Call for Strategic Patriotism

In conclusion, Akinlade challenged all stakeholders—political, civic, and economic—to place national progress above political noise. His tone was firm, but hopeful.

“This is no longer about rescuing Nigeria; it’s about sustaining our current momentum. We have a unique opportunity to build a prosperous nation—let’s not waste it.”

About Hon. Adekunle Akinlade

A trusted voice in Ogun State politics and a former federal lawmaker, Akinlade is known for his disciplined political posture, grassroots connection, and policy-centered commentary. As the 2027 horizon emerges, his thoughts are likely to shape key debates within Nigeria’s shifting political landscape.

Magnus Oku, a media consultant, wrote in from Lagos.