Legacy or Vanity? The Rush to Immortalize Tinubu Is a Threat to Democracy

In recent months, we’ve seen several public places and institutions being named after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. These include barracks, a polytechnic, and even the National Assembly Library. While some may see this as a sign of honour, we must ask an important question: Is it right to name public institutions after a sitting president? 

Across the world, especially in well-established democracies  public buildings and roads are not usually named after leaders while they are still in office. Because it is not a global best practice. Instead, they wait until the leader leaves office, or sometimes until the person has passed away. This allows time for people to truly judge their legacy and the impact of their service. When a leader is still in power, using public property to promote their name can be seen as self-glorification. 

It may also send the wrong message that power is more important than service. It can even divide the people, especially if some feel the leader has not yet done enough to deserve such honours. It’s important to remember that a good name is built through good deeds, not by placing one's name on buildings. If a president truly serves the people well, history will remember him with or without his name on airports or institutions. 

Nigeria is a democracy, not a monarchy. Our leaders are elected to serve, not to be worshipped. So, while there is no law stopping the renaming of public places after a sitting president, it is not a good practice. It does not reflect humility, fairness, or respect for future generations who may want to honour leaders based on merit, not politics. Politics aside, if you're okay with this development under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, with all due respect, I make bold to say that your education needs to be questioned. Leadership is about service and sacrifice not about turning a presidency into a branding campaign. 

I also wish to call on the National Assembly: if they truly mean well for our country, they should, as a matter of safeguarding our democracy and national image, enact a law to stop this selfish political practice. No leader should be allowed to name public institutions after themselves while still in office. We must protect our institutions from the politics of ego. Let us focus more on building a legacy through service, not through symbols. 

#Tinubu #Nigeria #Democracy #NationalImages