Muhammadu Buhari’s triumph in 2015 marked a watershed moment in Nigeria’s political history, ending the 16-year era of uninterrupted dominance by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The unprecedented success propelled Buhari to the presidency, breaking a string of failed attempts in the 2003, 2007 and 2011 elections.
Buhari’s election under the banner of the All Progressives Congress (APC), a merger between Buhari’s Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), Tinubu’s Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and other parties, was greatly facilitated by the key role of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
At the heart of the 2015 electoral victory was Tinubu’s instrumental involvement in the formation of the APC, a crucial element Dare mentioned in a television interview. He stressed that without Tinubu’s commitment, Buhari would have struggled to emerge as a candidate. The team built around Buhari, including Dare, was able to sell this idea and win significant electoral victories, with Tinubu playing a key role in these processes.
In addition to his role in the electoral victory, Dare addressed the issue of the performance of Buhari’s government. Having himself served as Minister of Sports and Youth Development from 2019 to 2023, he stressed that judging a president on his tenure alone is insufficient. In the context of government continuity, Dare avoided labelling Buhari’s tenure as a failure, instead stressing the need to recognise and appreciate the various contributions of successive leaders to the making of Nigeria’s history.
In a country where politics is often marked by abrupt changes of direction, Tinubu’s ability to make courageous and informed decisions is being touted as a crucial asset for the country’s future. His long experience and leadership could pave the way for further progress and reforms, paving the way for more stable and effective governance for Nigeria.
Buhari’s victory in 2015, which was the result of the combined efforts of various political actors, represented much more than a mere change of power. It embodied a key moment in Nigeria’s history, marked by political transitions and societal developments that are profoundly shaping the face of the country.