Sule Lamido Claims Buhari Never Wanted Tinubu to Succeed Him as President

Former Governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido, has made startling claims regarding the political dynamics that shaped the emergence of President Bola Tinubu.

According to Lamido, former President Muhammadu Buhari never wanted Tinubu to succeed him, nor did he trust his Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, to take the reins. Instead, Buhari’s preferred successor was ex-Senate President Ahmed Lawan.

In a recent interview with *Tribune*, Lamido discussed Buhari’s perceived reluctance to support Tinubu’s presidential bid and how this influenced the political landscape leading up to the 2023 presidential election.

Lamido emphasised that Tinubu’s rise to power was largely a result of his own determination and political acumen, rather than any endorsement from Buhari.

“Prior to the convention, Tinubu was in Abeokuta, Ogun State, where he boldly declared it was his turn to rule Nigeria,” Lamido recounted. “Buhari, rather naive, watched on without showing any support for Tinubu.

In fact, he never liked Tinubu and didn’t even trust his own Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo. Buhari’s preferred candidate was Ahmed Lawan, but his plans were unrealistic.

After eight years of a Northern presidency, expecting another Northerner for another eight years was politically unfeasible in today’s Nigeria.”

Lamido criticised Buhari for lacking the courage to assert his choice during the party convention, leading to Tinubu’s emergence as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate.

“Buhari was present at the convention, yet the man he never believed in, Tinubu, emerged as the winner. Tinubu knows that his victory wasn’t a result of Buhari’s support, and therefore, he owes him nothing,” Lamido stated.

Lamido’s comments echo longstanding rumours that Buhari was not in favour of Tinubu’s presidential ambitions.

There had been speculation before the 2015 presidential election that Buhari and Tinubu were not on the same page regarding the leadership of the APC.

This perception was further fuelled during the 2023 election cycle when certain high-ranking officials in Buhari’s administration introduced controversial measures such as the redesign of the naira and induced artificial fuel scarcity, moves seen by many as attempts to undermine Tinubu’s campaign.

In response to these perceived efforts to thwart his candidacy, Tinubu famously declared “Emi Lokan,” a Yoruba phrase meaning “It’s my turn,” during a rally in Abeokuta.

This bold proclamation underscored Tinubu’s resolve to pursue the presidency despite the obstacles he faced from within his own party.

Lamido highlighted that Tinubu’s journey to the presidency was marked by self-reliance and defiance against those who doubted or opposed him, including Buhari.

Lamido’s revelations underscore the complex and often contentious nature of Nigerian politics, where alliances can shift rapidly and personal ambitions frequently clash with party loyalties.

Buhari’s alleged preference for Lawan over Tinubu raises questions about the internal dynamics of the APC and how political endorsements are negotiated within Nigeria’s ruling party.

Lamido further asserted that Buhari’s hesitation to openly endorse a Southern candidate reflects a broader regional bias that persists in Nigerian politics.

“Buhari’s reluctance to back Tinubu or even Osinbajo demonstrates a preference for Northern dominance, which is not sustainable in the current political climate of Nigeria.

After eight years under a Northern president, the expectation among many Nigerians was for a Southern leader, making Buhari’s backing of another Northerner untenable,” Lamido explained.

These insights from Lamido provide a glimpse into the power struggles and strategic calculations that define Nigerian politics.

Tinubu’s ascension to the presidency, despite the lack of support from his predecessor, highlights his ability to navigate the treacherous waters of political intrigue and emerge victorious on his own terms.

As Lamido aptly put it, “Tinubu is a self-made man; his presidency is owed to no one but himself.”

As Nigeria continues to grapple with its complex political landscape, the narratives surrounding leadership transitions and the influence of key political figures like Buhari and Tinubu will remain subjects of keen public interest and debate.

Lamido’s comments contribute to this ongoing discourse, shedding light on the often unseen machinations that shape the country’s leadership and governance.