Former Jigawa State governor, Sule Lamido has revealed the behind-the-scenes events that made him to advise late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua to steer clear of any confrontation with ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo.
In his recently launched autobiography, “Being True To Myself,” a book presented to the public on May 13, 2025, Lamido sheds light on two key incidents that created the impression that Yar’Adua was preparing to challenge Obasanjo’s legacy.
Lamido recalled the controversial debate in the National Assembly over the alleged mismanagement of the $16 billion National Independent Power Project (NIPP). According to Lamido, the House of Representatives’ debate was spearheaded not by opposition members but by a prominent member of Yar’Adua’s own party, the PDP, and a close ally from Katsina State.
“This debate gave Nigerians the impression that Obasanjo had stolen the $16 billion and abandoned the projects, which later proved untrue,” Lamido noted.
Concerned by the political undercurrents, Lamido said he personally approached Yar’Adua to express his worries about the narrative being pushed in the legislature. However, Yar’Adua’s response was firm: “It is an issue being discussed by an independent arm of government.”
The second incident was more personal, according to Lamido. He recounted receiving a call from the President’s Chief Security Officer (CSO), Tilde, while he was in his Dutse village. The CSO’s unexpected remark that he “thought you are in Ota with your President” took Lamido by surprise.
When informed of a petition against him addressed to Yar’Adua, which the CSO claimed he could suppress, Lamido was furious.
“Who do you think you can blackmail? Go to hell!” Lamido recalled telling the CSO, suspecting the petition originated from Mohammed Ali Ringim, a political adversary.
Undeterred, Lamido immediately flew to the Presidential Villa, confronted the CSO with a verbal dressing-down in front of staff, and reminded them that Yar’Adua’s rise to power owed much to Obasanjo’s support.
He then met with the late president, who asked him, “Sule, what is agitating you?”
With emotion, Lamido pleaded, “Sir, in the name of God, please I beg you, do not fight Obasanjo. It is neither in our religion nor culture to show ingratitude to one who stood with you in your hour of need and ensured you attained this very office.”
Yar’Adua calmed Lamido and, by summoning his ADC, Lt. Col Mustapha, confirmed his stance. The ADC confirmed that Yar’Adua had instructed him to accommodate Obasanjo on all matters, including international travels, without needing the president’s further approval.
“Are you comforted now?” Yar’Adua asked Lamido, to which he replied, “Yes, Sir,” before bidding farewell.
Lamido’s revelations provide a rare glimpse into the delicate political balance during Yar’Adua’s presidency.
