By Mohammed Bello Doka
In a striking revelation, Sule Lamido, the former governor of Jigawa State and a key figure in the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has stated that President Bola Tinubu is a self-made leader who owes his political ascension to no one, including his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari. According to Lamido, Tinubu's rise to power was not a product of Buhari's endorsement but rather a result of his own strategic maneuvers and resilience.
During an interview with the Nigerian Tribune, Lamido characterized Tinubu as a master strategist adept at navigating Nigeria's complex political landscape. "Tinubu was adept at studying the system, manipulating it. He exploited it and he did it well," Lamido asserted. He further described Tinubu's bold proclamation in Abeokuta, Ogun State, that it was his turn to lead Nigeria, a declaration made while Buhari looked on, allegedly indifferent and preferring another candidate for the presidency.
Lamido recounted the scenario leading up to the All Progressives Congress (APC) convention, where Buhari, according to him, had not fully supported Tinubu's candidacy. “Buhari, very naive, was watching. He never liked Tinubu. There was somebody he wanted,” Lamido said. He claimed that Buhari's preferred candidate was Ahmed Lawan, not Tinubu nor even his own Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo. However, the political dynamics at play did not favor Buhari's choice.
“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 victorious,” Lamido explained. He emphasized that Tinubu’s victory was not a result of Buhari’s support, implying that Tinubu owes Buhari nothing for his current position.
Lamido also pointed out that Tinubu was not the preferred candidate of various influential groups and figures, including Afenifere and former President Olusegun Obasanjo. Despite these obstacles, Tinubu managed to secure the presidency, demonstrating his determination and political prowess. "He was determined to demolish all obstacles and he crushed them," Lamido remarked.
Turning his attention to his party's future, Lamido acknowledged the challenges facing the PDP but remained optimistic about their prospects for the 2027 elections. He noted the significant influence Tinubu currently wields over the country and the economy, describing him as a daring leader who has shaped his own destiny. "Tinubu is very daring; he is his own creation, he is a self-made man," Lamido said, referencing Tinubu's challenging journey from the streets of Chicago to the apex of Nigerian politics.
Lamido warned that under Tinubu's leadership, Nigeria has become akin to a personal empire, with Tinubu positioned as its emperor. "Every established political arrangement, every institution, he demolished them. Now that he is in charge, he is not going to be easy to deal with. With Tinubu, Nigeria is a fiefdom; Tinubu is the emperor. And if you watch him closely, he doesn’t care," he concluded.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, Lamido’s candid comments offer a stark perspective on the complexities and power dynamics at play within Nigeria’s political sphere. The former governor’s reflections underscore the challenges that lie ahead for the opposition as they prepare to confront Tinubu's formidable political machine in the coming years.
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