The Presidency has come out strongly to defend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s democratic credentials and leadership record following scathing criticism from former Jigawa State Governor and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stalwart, Dr. Sule Lamido.
In a statement on Saturday via his X (formerly Twitter) account, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, accused some former leaders and opposition figures of “playing saints” and attempting to distort Nigeria’s democratic history.
Without mentioning Lamido by name, Onanuga said: “Some men who failed to leave a legacy when they had the opportunity to lead are now posing as moral authorities. Tinubu’s role in the struggle for democracy is written in history. Unlike many of his critics who held office and did nothing remarkable, he stood against military rule, empowered civil society, and laid foundations still benefiting Nigerians today.”
The statement follows recent remarks by Sule Lamido on Arise Television, where the former governor criticized Tinubu’s June 12 speech and accused the president of exaggerating his role in Nigeria’s pro-democracy movement.
“Tinubu only became relevant after Abacha took over. Before then, he was just a party secretary. With all due respect, he supported Babangida and opposed June 12,” Lamido alleged.
He went further, accusing the current administration of using national institutions for partisan ends and dividing Nigerians along regional lines.
“This is not a national government, it is an APC government. They hold party meetings in the Villa, a national institution,” Lamido said.
But Onanuga countered such criticisms, stressing that Tinubu’s contributions to democratic consolidation are well documented, especially his role in forming the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), which challenged the Abacha military dictatorship.
“Those who seek to revise history must remember that while some fled or stayed silent, Tinubu used his resources and network to keep the democratic flame alive. Lagos under his leadership became a sanctuary for progressive governance when other states faltered,” Onanuga added.
He also dismissed insinuations that the current administration is persecuting opposition figures, stating that “the rule of law and due process remain central to President Tinubu’s governance.”
However, Lamido in the Arise TV interview had signaled a growing coalition to “oust” the Tinubu administration, pledging support for any political force committed to ending what he termed “a government on autopilot.”
“I am part of any arrangement to remove the current government of incompetency, insecurity, and national division,” Lamido said, while distancing himself from recent defections within his party, notably Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno.
Political observers see the exchange as the latest in a series of confrontations between the Tinubu administration and entrenched opposition elements, particularly from the North, as alliances begin to take shape ahead of the 2027 elections.
While Onanuga did not directly address Lamido’s call for a national realignment, his statement strongly suggested that the administration is prepared to defend its record and challenge the moral standing of its critics.
“History will judge not by rhetoric but by actions. President Tinubu remains committed to the unity, security, and economic recovery of Nigeria. Those who failed when they had the chance should reflect, not grandstand.”
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