Lamido's Claims Against Tinubu Represent Distortion of History, Presidency Says

President Bola Tinubu has denied allegations made by former governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido, that he supported the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election. Lamido claimed that Tinubu was a major supporter of Ibrahim Babangida, former military head of state, and that his mother, Haija Mogaji, mobilized market women to support the annulment. However, the Presidency has fired back, accusing Lamido of being confused and attempting to rewrite history.

Key Takeaways:

• The Presidency has accused Lamido of distorting history and attempting to rewrite the narrative around Tinubu's role in the June 12 struggle.
• Lamido claimed that Tinubu was a major supporter of Babangida and that his mother, Haija Mogaji, mobilized market women to support the annulment, but these allegations are patently false.
• The Presidency has set the record straight, revealing that Tinubu stood firm against the annulment of the June 12 election and condemned it as a coup d'etat.
• Tinubu was among those who resisted the military administration of Babangida and continued to fund pro-June 12 protests in Lagos, including the blockade of the Third Mainland Bridge.
• Lamido and his ilk teamed up with the defeated National Republican Convention to deny Abiola his mandate, but Tinubu was part of those who resisted the military's injustice.
• Tinubu's contributions to the June 12 struggle are well-documented, and his role in NADECO is acknowledged by many, including Lamido.
• The Presidency has advised Lamido to check his facts before spreading falsehoods and engaging in revisionism.

Statistics:

• The June 12 election was widely regarded as the most credible in Nigeria's history, with MKO Abiola winning the election.
• The election was annulled by the military regime of Babangida, leading to many years of civil agitations.
• Tinubu was among those who resisted the military administration of Babangida and continued to fund pro-June 12 protests in Lagos.
• Tinubu lived in exile for nearly five years, while Lamido and his ilk made deals with Abacha.
• Agents of the junta bombed Tinubu's home in Balarabe Musa Crescent, Victoria Island.

Sources:

• Presidency statement, "Setting the record straight, President Tinubu's role in the June 12 struggle."
• Arise Television interview with Sule Lamido
• Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy
• Senator Bola Tinubu's contributions to the June 12 struggle, as documented in the Senate records.