Tinubu prefers spontaneous speeches to connect with audiences, says ex-aide

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu frequently departs from prepared speeches during public events, opting instead for direct engagement with his audience, according to a former special assistant.

Professor Dapo Thomas, who served as an aide to then-Lagos State Governor Bola Tinubu, revealed this practice in excerpts from his upcoming autobiography, "Lagos Boys and Lagos Politics." Thomas explained that while he and Tinubu would collaborate on speeches, proofreading, editing, and agreeing on key points, the president often improvised during addresses.

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As a politician, I must allow the drummers and the singers to play a part in every event. Every event is a campaign platform for the politician.

Thomas recalled inquiring about Tinubu's deviation from the written text. Tinubu reportedly explained his preference for connecting with the crowd, stating, "As a politician, I must allow the drummers and the singers to play a part in every event. Every event is a campaign platform for the politician."

Tinubu further elaborated that the prepared speeches served a different purpose. "The prepared speeches are for the press, not for the people," he said. "I talk to the people. I do not like reading speeches when addressing the people. I prefer talking to them."

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The prepared speeches are for the press, not for the people. I talk to the people. I do not like reading speeches when addressing the people. I prefer talking to them.