The Virtue of Stubborn Leadership
By Abbati Bako, Political Strategy Analyst,psc,bsis,University of Kent,UK, Researcher in Globalization Policy @Skyline University, Kano Nigeria
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu calls himself a “stubborn politician.” Good. Nigeria is at a point where flexibility without direction is fatal. Reforming subsidies, rebuilding tax systems, restructuring federal governance these are not jobs for leaders who buckle under noise. They require a leader stubborn enough to see a strategic plan through, even when it’s unpopular today but necessary for tomorrow.
History shows this works. Modi of India pushed through economic and structural reforms despite fierce resistance. Xi of China drove long-term industrial and governance strategy with unwavering resolve. Both understood that transformational leadership isn’t about pleasing the room in the moment, it’s about bending the future to your will.
The question around President Bola Tinubu, then, isn’t whether he’s stubborn. The question is: stubborn for what? If that stubbornness is anchored to a clear, strategic plan for Nigeria’s future generations, then it isn’t obstinacy. It’s classical leadership. Nigeria doesn’t need a president who folds under pressure. It needs one who will outlast it. Had it been a good arrangement to enlighten Nigerians on the necessity and importance of making them understand that stubbornness to implement economic reforms is for the future purposes and benefits to future generations yet unborn. But still there is time to educate people of Nigeria on the importance and necessity of economic reforms. Though it is not easy, it is an imperative part of the future for Nigerians and generations yet unborn.
Dr. Abbati Bako,Political Strategy and Communication Consultant IPRC, Nigeria abbatibako@gmail.com
