In a startling revelation, celebrated Nigerian playwright, Prof Wole Soyinka, disclosed that President Bola Tinubu neglected his counsel to refrain from running for the presidency. Despite urging Tinubu and Atiku to pave the way for younger leaders during their last meeting five years ago, Soyinka found himself at Tinubu’s Lagos residence, offering an “embarrassing” courtesy visit.
During the encounter, Soyinka presented a comprehensive seven-point agenda to the President, terming the discussion as thorough. Reflecting on the irony of the situation, Soyinka expressed, “Actually, it’s an embarrassing visit because when I visited him the last time, it was to try and persuade him not to run for office.” He emphasized his previous advice, stating, “I told Atiku and himself to please leave the ground so young people could run.”
Soyinka clarified the purpose of his recent visit, remarking, “So I came to see how he was doing after ignoring my advice. I came to see how both he and his wife were weathering Nigeria, and to wish them a Happy Christmas.”
This revelation unveils a captivating insight into the political landscape, demonstrating the intriguing dynamics between influential figures in Nigerian leadership. As the nation navigates its political future, Soyinka’s account adds a compelling dimension to the unfolding narrative, echoing the clash of counsel and ambition at the highest echelons of power.
