Buhari Didn't Want Tinubu As President, Never Trusted Osinbajo - Sule Lamido
Wisdom Tide
01/08/2024
In a recent interview with Tribune, Sule Lamido, the former Governor of Jigawa State, provided a candid analysis of the political dynamics that preceded the emergence of President Bola Tinubu. According to Lamido, former President Muhammadu Buhari harbored significant reservations about Tinubu's potential presidency and had preferred other candidates for the role. Notably, Lamido claimed that Buhari neither supported nor fully trusted his Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, as a successor.
Lamido asserted that Buhari’s actual preference was for former Senate President Ahmed Lawan to succeed him. This preference was in line with Buhari’s broader reluctance to endorse Tinubu, who, despite being a major figure within the All Progressives Congress (APC), faced substantial opposition from elements within Buhari’s circle. The former governor emphasized that Tinubu's ascendancy to the presidency was not due to Buhari's support but rather his own political acumen and determination.
Reflecting on the prelude to the APC convention, Lamido recounted Tinubu’s bold declaration in Abeokuta, Ogun State, where he famously asserted, "Emi Lokan," meaning "it’s my turn." Lamido characterized Buhari as a leader who, despite his experience, failed to exert the influence necessary to ensure the succession of his preferred candidate. "Buhari was watching, very naive. He never liked Tinubu. There was somebody he wanted," Lamido remarked, highlighting Buhari’s reluctance.
Lamido pointed out that Buhari’s choice of Lawan was ill-conceived given the political realities of Nigeria at the time. With Buhari, a Northerner, having completed two terms, the notion of another Northerner succeeding him was widely seen as untenable. "You have done eight years for the North, and you wanted another Northerner for another eight years? No," Lamido argued, suggesting that such a move would have disrupted the delicate regional balance of power in Nigeria.
The former governor also criticized Buhari's inability to assert his influence during the APC convention, where Tinubu ultimately emerged as the party’s candidate. According to Lamido, this failure underscored Buhari’s lack of political will in critical moments. "The president of Nigeria, after being in office for eight years, lacked the courage to push through his anointed choice. He was there at the convention, and Tinubu, whom he never liked and never believed in, emerged," Lamido noted.
Lamido's observations extended beyond Buhari's political maneuvering to comment on Tinubu's self-reliance and strategic prowess. He posited that Tinubu’s success in securing the presidency was a result of his own efforts and not due to any significant backing from Buhari. "Tinubu knows that his victory wasn’t from Buhari; therefore, he owes him nothing," Lamido concluded.
The claims made by Lamido add context to the longstanding rumors of tension between Buhari and Tinubu, particularly in the lead-up to the 2023 presidential election. Prior to the election, speculation was rife that Buhari was not fully behind Tinubu’s candidacy. These tensions were further evidenced by actions from elements within Buhari’s administration, such as the controversial redesign of the naira and the engineered fuel scarcity, which were perceived as attempts to undermine Tinubu’s campaign.
Despite these challenges, Tinubu’s campaign continued to gain momentum, culminating in his famous "Emi Lokan" declaration. This phrase became emblematic of his determination to claim the presidency, despite the obstacles he faced within his own party and from the Buhari administration.
Lamido’s remarks provide a revealing glimpse into the internal power struggles within the APC and underscore Tinubu’s resilience in navigating the complex political landscape to secure Nigeria’s highest office. His analysis suggests that Tinubu’s presidency was achieved not through the endorsement of his predecessor but through his own unwavering resolve and strategic mastery
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