Presidency Denies Lamido’s Allegations Against Tinubu
The Federal Government has rejected claims by former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido that President Bola Tinubu supported the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election .
In a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga , Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the Presidency described the allegations as “false” and “revisionist.”
Lamido had made the remarks during an interview with Arise TV , where he claimed Tinubu—then a senator under the Social Democratic Party (SDP) —supported General Ibrahim Babangida’s decision to cancel the election won by M.K.O. Abiola .
He also alleged that Tinubu’s mother, Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji , mobilized Lagos market women to endorse the annulment.
The Presidency strongly denied both claims.
“These are distortions of history,” it said.
“Mogaji Would Have Lost Her Position” – Presidency
The statement noted that if Alhaja Mogaji had indeed backed the annulment, she would have lost her position as market leader in Lagos .
It added that any prior relationship Tinubu had with Babangida was before the annulment and did not imply support for the cancellation of the election.
The Presidency also criticized Lamido for his own actions—or inactions—during the crisis.
“Lamido and Tony Anenih teamed up to deny Abiola his mandate.”
At the time, Lamido served as SDP Secretary , but failed to defend the party’s electoral victory when it mattered most.
Tinubu Fought June 12 Annulment – Presidency
Contrary to Lamido’s claims, the Presidency highlighted how Tinubu opposed the annulment from the beginning.
As an SDP senator, he denounced the cancellation in the Senate on August 19, 1993 , calling it a “coup d’état” .
After the Abacha coup in November 1993 , Tinubu continued his resistance through:
- Grassroots activism
- Organizing pro-democracy protests
- Financing rallies against military rule
He later co-founded NADECO , took the struggle into exile, and remained active for nearly five years.
“He stood firm while others capitulated,” the statement read.
Lamido Stayed With the Regime – Presidency Notes
The Presidency contrasted Tinubu’s democratic stance with Lamido’s silence and collaboration with the military regime.
Unlike Tinubu, who faced detention for his activism, Lamido reportedly remained aligned with the government after the annulment.
“Lamido chose compliance over courage,” the statement said.
This, according to the Presidency, shows the difference between those who fought for democracy and those who stayed silent or sided with the oppressors.
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