Presidency Debunks Sule Lamido’s Claims on Tinubu’s Role in June 12 Struggle

The Presidency has dismissed as false and misleading recent comments made by former Jigawa State Governor, Alhaji Sule Lamido, regarding President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s role in the June 12, 1993, democratic struggle.

Lamido was speaking on a televised interview.

He alleged that Tinubu only rose to prominence after the formation of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), while also accusing him of supporting the annulment of the June 12 election, widely regarded as Nigeria’s freest and fairest poll.

In a statement by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the Presidency refutes the claims, describing them as a distortion of historical facts.

The Presidency maintains that Tinubu played an active and courageous role in opposing the annulment, both in the Senate and on the streets.

It adds that Tinubu was among the lawmakers who defied the military regime, reconvened illegally in Lagos, and were arrested and detained for their resistance following General Sani Abacha’s takeover.

The then Lagos West Senator was eventually forced into exile, but that did not stop him from funding and supporting pro-democracy protests and the wider June 12 movement, including the activities of NADECO and other activist groups.

The presidency lambasts Lamido, who was the secretary of the SDP at the time, for yielding to military pressure and failing to defend Abiola’s mandate.

It notes that Lamido and others like Tony Anenih wrote their names in the book of infamy by surrendering the people’s mandate to Abacha and teaming up with the National Republican Convention (NRC).

The presidency warns that even though Lamido’s comments may have been driven by political envy, attempts by him and other members of his newfound Coalition of the Disgruntled to rewrite history for partisan purposes will be frowned at.