Lamido Praises Tinubu’s Political Prowess, Warns Against Underestimating Him

Former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido has described President Bola Tinubu as a highly skilled and daring politician who successfully navigated Nigeria’s complex political landscape to become president, despite facing significant opposition.

Lamido, a prominent member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), made these remarks during an interview with the Nigerian Tribune.

Lamido noted Tinubu’s strategic acumen, stating, “He was adept at studying the Nigerian political system, manipulating it. He exploited it and he did it well.” Reflecting on Tinubu’s path to the presidency, he recalled Tinubu’s confidence during the All Progressives Congress (APC) convention. “He was in Abeokuta, Ogun State, where he boasted that it was his turn to rule Nigeria,” Lamido said.

Lamido also highlighted the role of former President Muhammadu Buhari, suggesting that Buhari was hesitant about Tinubu’s candidacy. “Buhari, very naive, was watching. He never liked Tinubu. There was somebody he wanted,” Lamido claimed.

According to him, Buhari preferred Senate President Ahmed Lawan as his successor, but Tinubu’s determination and strategic maneuvers ultimately led to his victory. “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, that he never liked, he never believed in, emerged,” Lamido said.

Lamido emphasized that Tinubu’s victory was entirely self-driven, independent of Buhari’s influence. “Tinubu knows that his victory wasn’t from Buhari, therefore, he owes him nothing,” Lamido stated.

He added that despite lacking support from influential groups like Afenifere and former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Tinubu managed to overcome all obstacles. “He was determined to demolish all obstacles, and he crushed them,” Lamido observed.

In a previous statement reported by Vanguard, President Tinubu affirmed his independence during his presidential campaign. “I have no cabal. I have no sponsors. The money I spent on the elections was my personal fortune,” Tinubu was quoted as saying.

He also spoke of the challenges he faced, including financial restrictions, but expressed confidence in his victory, crediting it to divine intervention. “But Allah, the Almighty God, said I will be the President,” Tinubu declared, emphasizing his reliance on a clear conscience as a defense against corruption.

Looking ahead to the 2027 elections, Lamido acknowledged the challenges facing the PDP but expressed optimism about the party’s chances. “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 warned against underestimating Tinubu, describing him as a “self-made man” who has consistently overcome obstacles throughout his political career. “With Tinubu, Nigeria is a fiefdom; Tinubu is the emperor. And if you watch him closely, he doesn’t care,” Lamido concluded.

Lamido’s remarks reflect both a recognition of Tinubu’s political strength and a call to the PDP to remain vigilant and prepared as they plan for future electoral challenges.