Former Kaduna Central Senator Shehu Sani has warned that President Bola Tinubu’s failure to deliver on his promises could severely hinder Nigeria’s future, making it difficult for subsequent leaders to succeed. In a TVC interview, Sani described Tinubu as having a “historic opportunity” to reshape Nigeria’s destiny at a critical crossroads requiring decisive leadership.
Sani criticized the toxic and divisive nature of Nigerian politics, where politicians view opponents as enemies rather than partners in nation-building, leading to a decline in national progress. He highlighted the culture of perpetual politicking, noting that 80 percent of an administration’s four-year term is spent preparing for the next election, leaving little time for governance. He suggested a six-year single presidential term to allow more focus on governance but cautioned it might be seen as a ploy to extend tenure.
Urging Tinubu to prioritize competence over political loyalty in appointments, Sani referenced the president’s Lagos model of selecting capable leaders. He stressed the need to include brilliant minds from diverse backgrounds to address Nigeria’s challenges, particularly the economy. “If President Bola Tinubu fails, I don’t think it will be easy for any other president to succeed,” he said, emphasizing the long-term impact on future generations.
Drawing comparisons to reformist leaders in Singapore and China, Sani noted that transformative policies, though difficult, spurred development in those nations. He urged Nigeria to make bold choices now to avoid stagnation, stating, “If we don’t do what needs to be done now, we’ll still be complaining 25 years from today.”
Sani, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), represented Kaduna Central from 2015 to 2019. He rejoined the APC in February 2025 after leaving in 2018 due to primary disputes and running unsuccessfully for the Senate in 2019 under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
