Gbenga Daniel says Nigeria has yet to witness President Tinubu’s full potential, as he reflects on leadership and national development
“You Haven’t Seen Tinubu’s Full Potential Yet” — Gbenga Daniel Speaks at 70th Birthday Event
Abuja, Nigeria — April 2, 2026
The Senator representing Ogun East, Gbenga Daniel, has declared that Nigeria is yet to experience the full leadership capacity of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, expressing strong confidence in the President’s ability to deliver transformative governance.
Speaking on Wednesday in Abuja during the unveiling of four books marking his 70th birthday, Daniel described Tinubu as a pragmatic and deeply intellectual leader whose best is still ahead.
The high-profile ceremony, held at the Yar’Adua Centre, drew an array of dignitaries, including former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan.
According to Daniel, Tinubu played a pivotal role in shaping his approach to governance during his tenure as Ogun State governor.
“Nigeria has yet to witness the peak of President Tinubu’s capabilities,” he said.
He noted that several policies implemented under his administration were inspired by Tinubu’s governance model, describing the President as “one of the most practical-minded individuals” he has encountered in public service.
Daniel added that Tinubu’s ideas and leadership style have influenced many political leaders across the country.
Representing the President at the event, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, praised Daniel as a trusted ally and longstanding associate.
Delivering Tinubu’s message, Edun highlighted Daniel’s accomplishments across engineering, business, and politics, particularly his role in founding Kresta Laurel, a leading firm in elevator installation and maintenance in Nigeria.
Tinubu, through Edun, also commended Daniel’s impact in public office, noting his focus on industrialisation, infrastructure, education, and public-private partnerships after assuming office in 2003.
Among his landmark achievements, the President referenced the development of an agro-allied cargo airport and the establishment of the Tai Solarin University of Education.
Beyond the celebrations, Daniel used the occasion to address pressing national issues, including misinformation, corruption, and declining ethical standards in governance.
He warned that limited access to credible information continues to shape poor political choices among citizens.
On corruption, Daniel proposed bold structural reforms, including the possibility of granting amnesty to encourage the repatriation of illicit funds held abroad, while also pointing to the role of global financial systems in enabling such practices.
He further called for a return to ethical leadership anchored on the Omoluabi ethos—emphasising integrity, accountability, and moral discipline—as a pathway to sustainable national development.
On security, the senator expressed support for ongoing discussions around state policing but stressed the need for safeguards, such as State Police Councils, to prevent abuse of power.
The event also featured the unveiling of four books—Daniel in the Lions’ Den, My March through the Courts, Path to Justice, and Otunba Gbenga Daniel in the Eyes of Time—chronicling his life, career, and contributions to Nigeria’s political landscape.
