Engr Toba Owojaiye, the Founder of Reset Nigeria, also known for the mantra “Candidate over party,” has highlighted the clear victory of Tinubu in both the polls and the Presidential Elections Petitions Tribunal, a fact evident to seasoned political analysts.
Owojaiye observed that when opposition splinters into four factions against the ruling party, they may accumulate more total votes, but these votes are dispersed, as seen in this case.
He emphasized that Tinubu’s success is rooted in four decades of genuine friendships across Nigeria, emphasizing that trust is the backbone of politics and cannot be built overnight.
Despite the tribunal victory, Owojaiye doesn’t celebrate, considering it a sober day for Nigeria. He stressed the need for a presidential victory widely believed to have won the elections, as only approximately 36.6% of voters supported Tinubu, leaving a majority of Nigerians uncertain. This uncertainty makes effective governance challenging, as perceptions often hold more sway than reality.
Owojaiye urged Tinubu to lead as a president for all Nigerians, promoting fairness in appointments and projects regardless of voting patterns. He acknowledged the presence of vocal social media critics who didn’t vote for Tinubu, making their grievances legitimate and expected.
While saddened by the nation’s current state, Owojaiye remains optimistic that Nigeria can progress toward a more inclusive system. He longs for an election result that garners widespread belief and support.
Regarding Peter Obi’s prospects in 2027, Owojaiye suggested that only Northerners can effectively promote Obi among their fellow Northerners. He asserts that if Obi allows the North to select a VP in a hypothetical matchup against Tinubu, he stands a better chance of winning. Politics, he noted , demands making tough choices to secure victory.
In conclusion, Owojaiye believes that the opposition needs to shed its pride, adopt a more flexible stance, and make strategic decisions to succeed in Nigerian politics.
He said “The opposition I see today is still too proud , cocky and picky to win”