There is no doubt that the National Leader of the All Progressive Congress, Bola Tinubu remains one of the candidates to beat should he decided to contest for the post of Presidency in 2023.
This is especially so, with the understanding that the ruling party plans to zone its presidential ticket to the South-West.
Though Tinubu is yet to make his intention known, his lovers have been chanting his name as the best candidate for the position.
However, despite his political sagacity and connections, political analysts are of the view that allegations of corruption trailing his antecedents remains a huge albatross that may rob the ‘Jagaban’ of the opportunity of succeeding President Muhammadu Buhari.
According to many, the recent alleged letter by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to the Code of Conduct Bureau over Tinubu’s assets declaration could be an ominous signal of an impending plot to clip-off the wings of the former Lagos State governor.
Some of the alleged ‘evils’ Tinubu may have to contend with if eventually, he decides to take a shot at the Aso Rock in 2023 is captured below:
1. Alleged fraud in Alpha Beta Consulting
A former Managing Director of Alpha Beta Consulting, Mr Dapo Apara recently petitioned the EFCC accusing the firm of tax evasion and being run by Tinubu albeit by proxy.
In the writ of summons marked LD/7330GCMW/2020, Apara asked the respondents to appear within 42 days or judgment may be given in their absence.
Apara had also instituted a lawsuit against Tinubu. In his statement of claim, he stated that Tinubu controlled the company which was receiving 10 per cent of the taxes collected on behalf of the state.
The former MD said as the head of the company, he began looking into its finances and he made many startling discoveries such as mysterious transfers of over N20 billion to various companies.
He stated, “N550million payment to Ocean Trust Ltd vide payment instruction dated the 15/5/18 N850 million payment to Ocean Trust Ltd vide payment instruction dated the 14/3/15.”
The claimant said N960 million was spent on purchasing HITV’s 300,000,000 shares.
Apara made other claims against Tinubu and the company.
Although these allegations had been denied by Alpha Beta and the case is still in court, however, some political commentators are of the opinion that the allegation may remain a minus for him until his pronounced innocent by the court.
2. Bullion van saga
Another issue which with no doubt has attracted enemies for Tinubu is the case of the bullion van spotted in his house on the eve of the 2019 presidential election.
This has led to a petition written to the EFCC by a Human rights activist, Deji Adeyanju.
According to the petition, Adeyanju wanted Tinubu to be investigated on the reason behind the bullion van in his compound being a private citizen.
“We write to petition the commission to launch an investigation into the appearance of Bullion Vans in the compound of a private citizen, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the eve of 2019 presidential elections. This subject matter is not new to you and several Nigerians have repeatedly drawn your attention to this. I have decided to take up your challenge after you called for a petition through your social media account on Twitter.
“The commission would recall that it was reported all over the news that Bullion Vans allegedly containing an undisclosed amount of cash were seen entering the home of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former governor of Lagos State on the eve of Nigerian presidential elections. Tinubu himself admitted to this fact while responding to question by journalists. “It is pertinent to note that, Section 7 (1) (b) of EFCC Establishment Act, 2004 gives the commission the power to investigate properties of any person that it appears to the commission that the person’s lifestyle and extent of the properties are not justified by his source of income.”
This also is another albatross Tinubu may have to contend with.
3. Alleged role in Lekki shooting
Tinubu being the strongest man in Lagos State was accused of being behind the alleged killing of EndSARS protesters at Lekki toll gate in Lagos on October 20, 2020.
The case, which attracted the attention of several international communities, was later debunked by the former governor of Lagos State.
According to him while debunking his involvement in the matter, he said “I will never, never be part of any carnage. I will never be part of that.”
He also denied having any investment in the Lekki Concession Company, the firm which manages the tollgate.
“I have no dime, no kobo investment in the tollgate,” he said.
He added that “We are about 13 to 14 days into the protests now. Before now, I was being accused and reported to the Presidency that I was behind the protests, that I was a sponsor of the protests.”
Amid the denial, many still feel that political enemies of Tinubu both within his party and in the oppositions may still harp on the Lekki tollgate saga to try to tarnish the image of the APC leader and frustrate his chances in 2023.
4. Ambode’s treatment
Another issue that may also play against Tinubu is the decision to insist on the removal of the former Lagos State governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, who he supposedly frustrated his second term ambition.
It was alleged that Tinubu turned down appeals by top leaders of the APC to pardon Ambode’s sins and allow him to contest for the second term in office.
This, according to sources, had pitched him against some forces in the ruling party.
Many Lagosians as well as Nigerians in other states, seem not to have forgiven Tinubu yet for the treatment meted on Ambode.
Although Tinubu on Friday suggested that reason for the treatment was because Lagos ship under Ambode was moving in the wrong direction, many do not see him saying the whole truth about what transpired between him and Ambode.
5. Family allege control of Lagos
The belief that Tinubu and his family control Lagos State is another thing Tinubu may also battle with. The APC leader and his family members are said to own and control several properties in choice locations in the state.
Recall also that of his sons, Seyi Tinubu is said to be the owner of Loatsad Promomedia Limited, the company that controls and allegedly turned off the electronic billboard at the Lekki Toll Plaza before the shooting of protesters by soldiers on October 20.
Obviously, not a few people are unhappy with this allegation.
6. Alleged CCB palaver with EFCC
Reports of EFCC’s move to probe Tinubu’s assets declaration form with the CCB is yet another issue of concern.
The spokesperson to Tinubu, Tunde Rahmon, has since denied the claim. But beyond the denial, some people believe that Tinubu may not enjoy the relationship he enjoyed with the former EFCC chairman, Ibrahim Magu under the new leadership of the anti-graft agency.
One thing one cannot take away from Tinubu is his ability to wriggle through trouble waters. As a shrewd politician, many believe that the Jegaban of Lagos knows how to get what he wants no matter the odds.
In all, only time can tell if Tinubu, as being speculated, will decide to take a shot at the presidential seat and what will become of that ambition.