A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Nnenna Ukeje, has explained why she did not support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the 2023 presidential election despite previously admiring his leadership style in Lagos State.
Speaking during a recent interview, Ukeje said she grew up respecting Tinubu's political career and saw him as a strong opposition figure who stood up to former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
She also credited him with laying the foundation for policies that were sustained during the administration of former Lagos State governor Babatunde Raji Fashola.
According to her, Tinubu convinced many Nigerians that Lagos represented a miniature version of the country and presented himself as a leader who would govern all regions fairly if elected president.
However, Ukeje said her expectations were not fulfilled after he assumed office.
She stated that her feelings toward the president were not based on anger but on disappointment because she had expected more from his administration.
The former lawmaker said her experience with the current government strengthened her belief that success as a regional political leader does not automatically translate into success at the national level.
She argued that one of the major concerns about the administration is what she described as a lack of inclusiveness.
Ukeje claimed that many people view the government as being dominated by individuals closely linked to Lagos politics, adding that the federal administration often appears to resemble an extension of Lagos State operating from Abuja.
Explaining her support for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar during the election, Ukeje pointed to some of the political figures around him, including David Mark and Aminu Waziri Tambuwal.
She described them as experienced politicians who have played important roles in defending democratic principles and constitutional governance.
Ukeje also dismissed claims that Atiku failed to respond to terrorism-related challenges.
She recalled that after the abduction of the Chibok schoolgirls, Atiku helped some of the rescued girls gain admission into the American University of Nigeria in Yola.
According to her, the move provided educational opportunities for the students while also serving as a response to the anti-Western education campaign promoted by the extremist group Boko Haram.
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