Former Governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido, has accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of being among those who supported the annulment of Nigeria’s historic June 12, 1993 presidential election. The startling claim was made during a live interview on Arise Television on Saturday, where Lamido challenged the widespread perception of Tinubu’s role in Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggle.
According to Lamido, Tinubu was not a key figure in the battle to uphold the mandate of Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, the presumed winner of what is widely considered Nigeria’s freest and fairest election. Instead, he claimed Tinubu only rose to political prominence after the military regime of General Sani Abacha took over the reins of power. “Tinubu became relevant and noticeable after Abacha took over the government. Before then, he was in the Senate and was secretary of the party,” Lamido stated.
In a statement that is likely to deepen political tensions, Lamido went further to implicate the President’s late mother, Hajia Abibatu Mogaji, in the events surrounding the annulment. He alleged that she actively organized support for General Ibrahim Babangida, the military ruler who nullified the election. “His own mother, Hajia Mogaji, was organizing Lagos market women to come to Abuja to pledge support for Babangida,” Lamido said.
Lamido also cast doubt on the credibility of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), a group often celebrated as a resistance platform formed to defend the June 12 mandate. He claimed the coalition was not originally created for that purpose. “NADECO was a postulation formation to fight Abacha, not for June 12,” he added.
The June 12, 1993 election, which was believed to have been won by Chief MKO Abiola, remains a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s political history. Its annulment by the Babangida regime triggered widespread unrest, civil disobedience, and a prolonged push for the restoration of democratic governance. Over the years, President Tinubu has been hailed by many as one of the frontline advocates for democracy, often aligning himself with the legacy of June 12 and the struggle that followed.
However, Lamido’s remarks challenge that narrative and are expected to spark heated debates across political circles and among historians. His claims arrive at a sensitive time, as discussions around Nigeria’s democratic journey and the legacy of June 12 continue to shape national identity and political discourse.
As of the time of this report, there has been no official response from the presidency or from those close to President Tinubu addressing the allegations.
