Decoding Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Political Mastery: A Study of ‘The 48 Laws of Power

Decoding Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Political Mastery: A Study of ‘The 48 Laws of Power

By Osigwe Omo-Ikirodah

*How Tinubu Outwitted the Opposition and Maintained His Dominance

Today, we’ll delve into a different topic, steering away from the typical online discussions regarding government actions or shortcomings, the grievances about their performance due to underlying issues in the country, and the familiar complaints used to validate the efforts of diligent and ordinary individuals...CONTINUE READING.

“The 48 Laws of Power” is a book by Robert Greene that explores the principles and strategies for achieving and maintaining power in various aspects of life.

Few players in Nigerian politics have demonstrated the level of political savvy and manoeuvring that Bola Ahmed Tinubu has. His rise to fame and lasting influence on the political environment is a monument to his strategic thinking and game expertise.

In this analysis, we draw parallels between Tinubu’s political career and the principles outlined in Robert Greene’s book, “The 48 Laws of Power,” to reveal the secrets behind Tinubu’s success.

Part I: The Fundamentals of Power.

Never Outshine the Master: Mastering the delicate art of not outshining one’s superiors, Tinubu strategically positioned himself in the background, even when he held the role of a political kingmaker. He skillfully allowed others to take the spotlight while he operated behind the scenes.

Not once did he engage in a power struggle for prominence, even during his pivotal collaboration with former President Buhari throughout his eight-year tenure.

Always Say Less Than Necessary : Tinubu’s penchant for brevity and avoidance of direct confrontations has played a key role in his political career.

Part II: The Use of Power

So Much Depends on Reputation: Tinubu guarded his reputation diligently, not seeking immediate gratification for his efforts, even during his collaboration with President Buhari.

Get Others to Do the Work for You: Tinubu has exhibited a notable strength in the art of effective delegation. He surrounded himself with capable individuals who played a crucial role in advancing his agenda, a practice he established during his tenure as Lagos State Governor.

Make Other People Come to You: Tinubu’s influence reached unprecedented levels, making others seek his support and endorsement.

Part III: The Use of Appearance

Win Through Your Actions, Never Through Argument: Tinubu’s results-oriented approach helped him maintain focus during election campaigns, ignoring opposition propaganda.

Part V: The Use of Time

Keep Others in Suspense: Cultivate an Air of Unpredictability: Tinubu’s ability to remain calm in the face of allegations and controversy demonstrates his mastery of unpredictability.

Do Not Build Fortresses to Protect Yourself : Accessibility and openness have been Tinubu’s armor, shielding him from isolation and vulnerability.

Know Who You’re Dealing With: Do Not Offend the Wrong Person : Tinubu wisely adapted his approach when dealing with different political audiences, preventing unnecessary conflicts.

Do Not Commit to Anyone : Tinubu’s flexibility in maintaining contacts across the political spectrum allowed him to influence the opposition from within.

Part VI: The Use of Language:

Play a Sucker to Catch a Sucker: Seem Dumber Than Your Mark:

Tinubu’s ability to downplay his intellectual prowess when confronted by opposition attacks highlights his strategic finesse. He willingly allowed himself to be depicted as less astute, even openly acknowledging that he refrained from engaging in social media due to such portrayals. This shrewd approach enabled him to effectively distance himself from negative energy and criticism, ultimately outwitting his critics with their own tactics.

Use the Surrender Tactic: Transform Weakness into Power: Tinubu’s strategic deployment of this tactic was evident during election campaigns.

Concentrate Your Forces : Tinubu focused his resources and energy for maximum impact.

Part VII: The Use of Strategy

Re-Create Yourself: Tinubu’s adaptability and capacity to reinvent himself over time kept him relevant.

Keep Your Hands Clean : Tinubu’s unblemished reputation and commitment to ethical conduct serve as a testament to his integrity. His ability to withstand the challenges posed by the military, the PDP under OBJ’s leadership, the political establishment, and even the reinvigorated opposition underscores his exceptional political acumen and resilience. In essence, Tinubu’s political prowess is nothing short of genius.

Play on People’s Need to Believe to Create a Cultlike Following: Tinubu’s ability to inspire loyalty and devotion is a testament to his political charisma.

Enter Action with Boldness : Tinubu’s calculated risks and decisive actions have consistently delivered results.

Part VIII: The Use of Appearance

Plan All the Way to the End : Tinubu’s long-term planning has been evident in his political journey.

Make Your Accomplishments Seem Effortless : Tinubu’s knack for presenting monumental achievements as if they were everyday occurrences underscores his remarkable political prowess.

His journey from leading a single state in the South West, following the tumultuous era of Obasanjo’s presidency, to overseeing the largest political party in Africa and ascending to the presidency of the world’s most populous Black nation is nothing short of extraordinary.

Control the Options: Get Others to Play with the Cards You Deal : Tinubu’s power extended to influencing political decisions, making deliberate actions that swayed outcomes in his favour.

Part IX: The Use of Authority

Be Royal in Your Own Fashion: Tinubu projected unwavering confidence and authority, creating an image of a political kingmaker.

Master the Art of Timing :Tinubu’s mastery of timing, as exemplified by his choice to bide his time, is vividly illustrated in his renowned approach known as “Emilokan.” He could have assumed the role of Vice President under Buhari but instead opted to wait for the opportune moment. As they say in military circles, “Wait for Your Time,” and Tinubu exemplifies this maxim, demonstrating his acute sense of when to seize the right moment.

Part X: The Use of Invisibility

Despise the Free Lunch: Tinubu’s caution in considering offers revealed his astuteness. Throughout Buhari’s government, Tinubu never ran to the presidential villa  for assistance, as the locals would say, “Because you wan chop beef, you don begin call cow Bros.” Tinubu was far from this.

Part XI: The Use of Authority

Avoid Stepping into a Great Man’s Shoes: Tinubu didn’t attempt to replace powerful figures directly but built his political identity from the ground up.

Strike the Shepherd and the Sheep Will Scatter : Tinubu strategically used this tactic to disperse the power of his opponents.

Part XII: The Use of the Subtle

Never Appear Too Perfect : Tinubu’s acknowledgment of his flaws and humanity made him relatable to the masses.

Do Not Go Past the Mark You Aimed For; In Victory, Know When to Stop :Tinubu knows when to call it quits and avoid abusing his power. Today, as president, he is leading a Unity Government in which a powerful PDP chieftain, Nyesom Wike, plays a key role.

Assume Formlessness: Tinubu’s adaptability and flexibility allowed him to navigate the ever-changing landscape of Nigerian politics.

The analysis of Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s political career through the lens of “The 48 Laws of Power” reveals the intricate strategies that have contributed to his enduring influence in Nigerian politics.

The essence of this analysis captures the positivity in every challenges , these tips  provide valuable insights into the art of political maneuvering and maintaining power. Tinubu’s ability to apply these laws demonstrates his political acumen and the lessons he offers to aspiring politicians and observers of Nigerian politics.

Osigwe Omo-Ikirodah is the Chairman and CEO of Bush Radio Academy.

Source iReporteronline.