Presidency Fires Back at Sule Lamido's Claims on Tinubu's Role in June 12 Struggle

Strategic Insights -

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's role in the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election has been a subject of controversy, with former Jigawa state Governor Sule Lamido recently making claims that Tinubu supported the annulment. However, the Presidency has issued a strongly worded statement, titled 'Setting the Record Straight: President Tinubu's Role in the June 12 Struggle', refuting Lamido's claims and highlighting Tinubu's opposition to the annulment. According to the statement, Lamido's allegations are a blatant distortion of Nigeria's democratic history, and his claims about Tinubu's mother, Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji, mobilizing market women to back the annulment are patently false. The statement emphasizes that Tinubu stood firm against the annulment, even when it was clear that the military would not uphold the election results.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Presidency has clarified that Tinubu's mother, Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji, never mobilized market women to support the annulment, and her relationship with former President Babangida was before the annulment crisis.
  • Tinubu, as a senator, unequivocally condemned the annulment on the Senate floor on August 19, 1993, describing it as another coup d'etat and urging Nigerians to reject injustice and lawlessness.
  • Tinubu continued to fund pro-June 12 protests in Lagos, including the blockade of the Third Mainland Bridge, while in police detention.
  • Tinubu played a significant role in NADECO, a broad coalition of Nigerian democrats that called on the military government to step down in favor of MKO Abiola.
  • Tinubu lived in exile for nearly five years, during which time his home was bombed by agents of the junta, and offered material resources to fuel the struggle.
  • Tinubu backed Professor Wole Soyinka's NALICON and provided funds for the struggle against the June 12 annulment.
  • The Presidency advised Lamido to check his facts before spreading falsehoods, as his narrative appeared to be a 'twist' of history for political reasons.

Statistics:

  • 27 August 1993: President Babangida announced his decision to step aside for an interim government.
  • 15 May 1994: NADECO was born, calling on the military government to step down in favor of MKO Abiola.
  • 1993: Tinubu stood firm against the annulment on the Senate floor on August 19, 1993.
  • 5 years: Tinubu lived in exile.
  • 1 year: MKO Abiola made a declaration at Epetedo in Lagos, announcing himself as the duly elected president.

Sources:

  • "Setting the Record Straight: President Tinubu's Role in the June 12 Struggle" by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.
  • ARISE Television interview with Sule Lamido.
  • National Assembly records of Tinubu's contributions to debates on the annulment.
  • NADECO documents and declarations.
  • Professor Wole Soyinka's NALICON documents.