Rita Odafe
Sule Lamido, the former Governor of Jigawa State, has disclosed a significant incident that contributed to the divide between the late President Umaru Musa Yar’adua and former President Olusegun Obasanjo, characterizing both leaders as determined in their own distinctive manners.
This account appears in Lamido’s freshly published autobiography, ‘Being True to Myself,’ where he reflects on his experiences with Yar’adua in a chapter focusing on the late leader’s administration.
Within the segment titled “My Relationship with Yar’adua,” Lamido narrates how a memo regarding the 2007 presidential election, which Yar’adua presented to the National Council of State, was crucial in escalating tensions between the two figures.
Lamido elaborated on the aftermath of the disputed 2007 election, noted as one of Nigeria’s most criticized and opaque electoral processes.
The official final outcomes of the election, which have never been fully revealed, faced scrutiny from many, including Yar’adua himself.
The late president famously conceded that the election was flawed, which led him to pursue electoral reforms during his term.
Lamido reminisced, “My connection with Yar’adua was both warm and welcoming as a governor. I genuinely viewed him as a symbol of hope for the new Nigerian generation. His approach to governance was bold and courageous, and he was eager to implement reforms that promoted good governance. One of his notable ambitions was to overhaul our electoral system. I would also describe Yar’adua as determined; in a sense similar to Obasanjo, but with his own distinct style.”
He continued, “Yar’adua’s determination was evident during our inaugural National Council of State meeting with him as president. For those unaware of the council’s makeup, it includes the President, the Vice President, all state governors, former heads of state, and the current and past Chief Justices of the Federation, with the sitting president at the helm. The first memorandum presented in that meeting by President Yar’adua addressed electoral reforms.”
“On the morning of the meeting, I visited the president’s office to inquire if he had reviewed the memo he was set to present. He affirmed that he had. I suggested he look over it once more. He opened the memo file again, confirming his review. ‘Have you noted the introduction, which states that your election was marred by “large-scale” irregularities? Are you aware of the implications?’ He acknowledged this. I urged, ‘Perhaps rewrite it to say “in light of the aim to reform our electoral system” instead of labeling it as “irregular”? By doing so, it seems you are undermining your own mandate.’ However, Yar’adua remained resolute.”
Lamido reflected on his persistent attempts to convey the seriousness of presenting such a memo to the council.
He told Yar’adua, “Sir, during the council session you will chair, President Obasanjo, who oversaw your election, is present; the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN Katsina-Alu, who played a key role in affirming your election at the Supreme Court, is also there; yet you characterize the election as highly irregular? How does that reflect on their honor and integrity?”
Once again, Yar’adua stood firm, which left Lamido in a state of confusion as he departed the president’s office, expressing, “If your election was irregular, mine was conducted freely, fairly, and transparently.”
He remarked, “When the council session commenced, President Yar’adua proceeded to read the memo, branding his own election as ‘massively irregular.’ I glanced around the council and saw the shock and disbelief etched on the faces of President Obasanjo and Justice Katsina-Alu. Yar’adua, however, seemed unaffected and indifferent to the heavy atmosphere. I believe that memo may have served as the catalyst for the widening rift between President Obasanjo and President Yar’adua.”
