In a country grappling with economic hardship, insecurity, and political fatigue, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent anecdote about a disagreement with the late President Muhammadu Buhari over the All Progressives Congress (APC) logo might seem, at best, a curious distraction—and at worst, a political joke that misses the moment.

Speaking to members of The Buhari Organisation at the Presidential Villa, Tinubu recounted a “fierce” disagreement during the formation of the APC in 2013. According to him, Buhari wanted the party’s symbol to reflect “parliament,” while Tinubu insisted on the now-iconic broom. “He’s so stubborn,” Tinubu said, chuckling. The story was delivered with warmth and nostalgia, but it left many Nigerians wondering: is this really the kind of leadership reflection we need right now?

Political Theater in Place of Substance
The timing of this revelation is telling. Nigeria is facing a cost-of-living crisis, with inflation soaring and citizens struggling to afford basic necessities. Insecurity continues to plague rural communities, and trust in government institutions is eroding. Against this backdrop, a story about a logo disagreement feels tone-deaf. It’s not that symbols don’t matter—they do—but when the symbol becomes the story, and not the substance behind it, we risk trivializing the very real challenges Nigerians face.

The Broom That Sweeps… What, Exactly?
The APC’s broom symbol was meant to represent unity and the sweeping away of corruption. Yet, over a decade later, many Nigerians feel that the broom has done little more than stir dust. Corruption remains endemic, public services are underfunded, and the political elite seem more focused on internal party dynamics than national transformation. Tinubu’s anecdote, while lighthearted, inadvertently highlights the gap between political branding and actual governance.

Nostalgia vs. Accountability
There’s a tendency among Nigerian politicians to romanticize the past—especially moments that paint them as visionaries or reformers. But nostalgia is not a substitute for accountability. Tinubu’s story may be intended to show his determination and foresight, but it also raises uncomfortable questions: What did the broom actually achieve? Did the APC deliver on its promises? And why, after years of leadership, are Nigerians still waiting for the “sweeping” reforms?

Public Reaction: Amusement or Frustration?
For some, the story was amusing—a rare glimpse into the personal dynamics between two of Nigeria’s most influential political figures. But for others, it felt like a distraction from pressing issues. Social media reactions ranged from sarcastic praise (“At least they agreed on something”) to outright criticism (“We need solutions, not stories”). The mixed response reflects a broader fatigue with political theater and a yearning for meaningful change.

What Should Leadership Look Like?
Leadership in a time of crisis demands clarity, empathy, and action. While anecdotes can humanize leaders, they must be paired with substance. Nigerians want to hear about plans to tackle inflation, improve security, and restore trust in institutions—not just stories from the past. If Tinubu wants to connect with the people, he must move beyond symbolism and deliver results that speak louder than any logo ever could.

A Joke That Cuts Too Close
Tinubu’s story may have been intended as a lighthearted reflection, but in today’s Nigeria, it lands differently. It reminds us that political branding is easy—governance is hard. And while the broom may have won the logo war, the real battle is for the soul of the nation. Nigerians aren’t laughing. They’re waiting.