Bola Tinubu: From godfather of Lagos to Nigeria's president-elect

FILE PHOTO: Presidential candidate Bola Ahmed Tinubu addresses the media after casting his ballot in Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria February 25, 2023. REUTERS/James Oatway

LAGOS (Reuters) - For much of his political career, Nigerian President-elect Bola Tinubu has exerted power from behind the scenes, widely regarded as a "godfather" who uses an extensive patronage network to back candidates for office.

Tinubu's support helped outgoing leader Muhammadu Buhari win two terms in office, in 2015 and 2019. And since he bowed out as Lagos governor in 2007, Tinubu has picked every subsequent winning candidate to run Africa's biggest city.