Former Governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido, has described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a uniquely formidable political figure who has defied all odds to ascend to power, maintaining an unshakable grip on Nigeria’s political and economic landscape.
In a scathing analysis of Tinubu’s rise, Lamido highlighted the president’s resilience and strategic maneuvering, emphasizing that he “demolished every established political structure and institution” that stood in his way.
“Tinubu is very daring; he is his own creation, a self-made man. From his struggles in Chicago to his battles in Nigeria’s political space, he has confronted every obstacle to get where he is today.”
Lamido recalled Tinubu’s ability to defeat the Alliance for Democracy (AD), Afenifere, and former President Olusegun Obasanjo, as well as his triumph in the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primaries despite opposition from Muhammadu Buhari.
“At the APC convention, Buhari was against him, but he still won. What are you talking about? Don’t underestimate a man like that. He paid the governors at the convention and declared in Abeokuta that it was his turn to rule Nigeria.”
Tinubu’s Independence and Political Calculations
According to Lamido, Tinubu’s rise to power was entirely his own making, without allegiance to Buhari, Afenifere, or other political power blocs. He suggested that Buhari’s failure to impose his preferred candidate, Ahmed Lawan, exposed a lack of political foresight.
“Buhari never liked Tinubu. He wanted someone else, even over his own vice president, Yemi Osinbajo. But his calculation was flawed—after eight years of Northern rule, he wanted another Northerner? That was impossible in today’s Nigeria.”
“Tinubu Rules Like an Emperor”
Lamido characterized Tinubu’s leadership as imperial, asserting that he now sees Nigeria as his personal fiefdom. He suggested that the president’s approach to governance is marked by bold, unapologetic decision-making, with little regard for opposition or dissenting voices.
“Now that he is in charge, he will not be easy to deal with. Tinubu is the emperor, and if you watch him closely, you will see that he doesn’t care.”
Lamido’s remarks underscore the perception of Tinubu as a political juggernaut who, through sheer determination and strategy, defied history, crushed opposition, and seized power on his own terms.
