Sule Lamido, a former governor of Jigawa State and a prominent chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has described President Bola Tinubu as a daring and self-made man who owes his rise to the presidency to no one, including his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari.
Lamido, in an interview published by the Nigerian Tribune on Saturday, characterised Tinubu as an emperor who views Nigeria as his fiefdom. He suggested that Tinubu’s approach to governance is one of complete control and domination, with little regard for opposition or dissenting voices.
“With Tinubu, Nigeria is a fiefdom, Tinubu is the emperor. And if you watch him closely, he doesn’t care,” Lamido said, painting a picture of a leader who is determined to impose his will on the nation.
According to Lamido, Tinubu has been adept at studying the system, exploiting its weaknesses, and ultimately emerging victorious despite facing significant opposition.
“Tinubu was adept at studying the system, manipulating it. He exploited it and he did it well,” Lamido stated. He recalled how Tinubu, prior to the All Progressives Congress (APC) convention, confidently declared in Abeokuta, Ogun State, that it was his turn to rule Nigeria.
Despite opposition from powerful figures, including Buhari, Tinubu emerged victorious, demonstrating his political acumen and determination.
Lamido did not mince words when discussing Buhari’s role in Tinubu’s rise. He suggested that Buhari was not supportive of Tinubu’s presidential ambitions and had his own preferred candidate.
According to Lamido, Buhari initially favored Ahmed Lawan, the current Senate President, as his successor, rather than Tinubu or even his vice president, Professor Yemi Osinbajo.
“He didn’t even trust his own vice president, Professor Osinbajo; he wanted Ahmed Lawan, but his calculation was absurd. You have done eight years for the North and you wanted another Northerner for another eight years?! No,” Lamido remarked, criticising Buhari’s political strategy.
He further asserted that Buhari lacked the courage to push through his preferred candidate, allowing Tinubu to win the APC primary and eventually the presidency.
Lamido argued that Tinubu’s victory was not due to Buhari’s support but rather his own efforts and strategic maneouvering. “Tinubu knows that his victory wasn’t from Buhari, therefore, he owes him nothing,” he added.
Lamido’s comments also shed light on Tinubu’s independence as a leader. Despite not being the preferred choice of many influential figures and groups, including Afenifere and former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Tinubu managed to secure the presidency.
Lamido noted that Tinubu’s determination to overcome obstacles and achieve his goals has been a defining characteristic of his political career.
“He wasn’t the choice of Afenifere, Obasanjo never liked him, but he became president. All the other groups, including the governors, were there but he won.
“He was determined to demolish all obstacles and he crushed them,” Lamido explained.
As a leading figure in the opposition PDP, Lamido also touched on the party’s plans for the 2027 elections.
He acknowledged the challenges facing the PDP in its quest to unseat Tinubu, whom he described as a formidable opponent with a strong hold on the country and its economy.
“We are working hard, but it is a huge task. It is going to be difficult with Tinubu, with his hold on the country, on the economy, and his audacity to say this is where I stand against Nigeria’s interest,” Lamido stated.
He expressed concern about Tinubu’s ability to dominate the political landscape and his willingness to take bold, sometimes controversial, decisions.
Lamido warned against underestimating Tinubu, emphasizing that the president has consistently demonstrated his ability to overcome challenges and achieve his objectives.
“Don’t underestimate a man like that. Look at how he made it in life. He confronted all obstacles to get to where he is today, at the apex,” Lamido cautioned.
