Former Jigawa State governor and senior PDP figure, Sule Lamido, has criticized former President Muhammadu Buhari’s alleged attempt to secure another Northern successor in the 2023 presidential election. Speaking in an interview with the Nigerian Tribune, Lamido argued that Buhari’s push for a Northerner to follow his eight-year tenure was ill-advised and ignored the evolving political dynamics in Nigeria.
According to Lamido, Buhari’s preferred candidate was Senate President Ahmed Lawan, rather than Vice President Yemi Osinbajo. However, Bola Tinubu, the former governor of Lagos State, emerged victorious at the All Progressives Congress (APC) convention, defying Buhari’s wishes and the opposition of other powerful political figures, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo and the influential Afenifere group.
Lamido praised Tinubu’s political acumen, describing him as a master strategist who skillfully navigated Nigeria’s complex political environment. Despite facing significant resistance, Tinubu’s determination and calculated moves enabled him to overcome all obstacles, ultimately winning the presidency.
He noted that Tinubu’s success was achieved independently of Buhari, underscoring that the new president owes nothing to his predecessor. Lamido highlighted Tinubu’s ability to build his political career on his own terms, making him a dominant force in Nigerian politics.
Looking to the future, Lamido expressed optimism about the PDP’s prospects in the 2027 elections, though he acknowledged the significant challenges posed by Tinubu’s strong influence over the country’s political and economic systems. He warned that underestimating Tinubu would be a mistake, given his proven ability to dismantle established political structures and assert his leadership on the national stage.
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