ICYMI: Here's the meaning of the symbol on Tinubu's cap

MyNigeria Feature

The emergence of Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the flagbearer for the All Progressives Congress (APC) has once again cast the spotlight on the former Lagos State governor.

The APC stalwart defeated 23 others including his political benefactor, Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo in a landslide to win the party's presidential primaries held at the Eagles Square in Abuja between June 6 to June 8.

His foreseen victory has since been acknowledged by the camps of his rival.

Executives, stalwarts and members of the party across the nation have also hailed him for emerging victorious including former Vice President and flagbearer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar.

Read more: We are blood brothers - Tinubu says as he pays surprise visit to Osinbajo

Tinubu is also known as the Jagaban which means "leader of warriors" because of his extensive political influence and his ability to win political office for himself and his political "sons". His political benefactors are littered across the length and breadth of the country.

Ahead of the primaries, he disclosed in a forum in January that one of his major agendas will be tackling Nigeria's major problem which is insecurity. On the campaign trail, he vowed to look at Buhari’s failure to shape the future of Nigeria as the 16th President, Mandynews reports.

Asiwaju said as commander-in-chief he will rescue Nigeria from insecurity and economic woes. He added in subsequent interviews that he'll focus on education, the economy, and uniting the country.

His pronouncements and promises about making Nigeria a better country cannot only be seen through his verbal but non-verbal communications. Like every politician or brand who uses various means to promote their ideas or convey their thoughts, Tinubu uses the embroidered symbols on his cap to convey a message to the Nigerian people.

Political emblems are born from a consistent hand lift, a unique fashion decision, and a repeated gesture.

Read more: Tinubu is a soldier of democracy - Ayade

When interviewed by Guardian in 2019, he said the embroidered meaning of the symbol on his cap is a broken shackle depicting freedom.

“Philosophically, it is my belief and faith in education, freedom fighting. On my cap is a broken shackle. It is freedom. The shackle is broken and you cannot put us in bondage anymore. You have broken the shackle of poverty, ignorance, disease,” Tinubu said.

“You develop the capacity to improve the quality of the lives of the people. It has been my philosophy and it will remain my philosophy. My office’s symbol is Freedom House. Freedom means everything to me, the freedom of man. You can find me on the street fighting against injustice.”

When interviewed by Guardian in 2019, he said the embroidered meaning of the symbol on his cap is a broken shackle depicting freedom;

“Philosophically, it is my belief and faith in education, freedom fighting. On my cap is a broken shackle. It is freedom. The shackle is broken and you cannot put us in bondage anymore. You have broken the shackle of poverty, ignorance, disease,” Tinubu said.

“You develop the capacity to improve the quality of the lives of the people. It has been my philosophy and it will remain my philosophy. My office’s symbol is Freedom House. Freedom means everything to me, the freedom of man. You can find me on the street fighting against injustice.”

Any kind of political symbol in Nigeria was arguably started by nationalist and statesman, Awolowo with his legendary cap. The cap has become a popular fashion statement and is worn by a host of entertainers popularly amongst them is Big Brother Naija host, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu. Former Governor Kano State, Rabi'u Musa Kwankwaso is also known for his red cap.


This feature was written by Novieku Adeola Kehinde||Twitter: @NoviekuA