Lamido Reveals Yar’Adua Ignored Advice, Admitted 2007 Election Irregularities, Sparking Rift with Obasanjo

Former Jigawa State Governor and ex-Foreign Affairs Minister, Sule Lamido, has disclosed that late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua disregarded his counsel against publicly acknowledging the irregularities that marred the 2007 presidential election. Lamido’s revelation sheds new light on the internal tensions within Nigeria’s political elite during that period.

In a recent interview, Lamido recounted advising President Yar’Adua to avoid admitting to electoral flaws in the presence of key figures such as former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Chief Justice Katsina-Alu. He warned that such an admission could undermine their integrity, stating, “Sir, in the Council you are going to chair, President Obasanjo, who conducted your election, is there; the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN Katsina-Alu, who cast the winning vote, the tie-breaker, to uphold your election at the Supreme Court, is there; and yet you described the election as massively irregular? What do you think of their honour and integrity?”

Despite the caution, Yar’Adua proceeded to acknowledge the election’s shortcomings during a Council meeting, describing his own election as “massively irregular.” Lamido observed the shock and bewilderment of Obasanjo and Justice Katsina-Alu during the announcement, noting Yar’Adua’s apparent indifference to their reactions.

This candid admission by Yar’Adua was unprecedented in Nigeria’s political history and signaled a departure from the practices of his predecessor. Lamido noted that this move initiated a quiet rebellion within the presidency, leading to a rift between Yar’Adua and Obasanjo. He stated, “The memo marked the beginning of Yar’adua’s quiet rebellion… he drew the ire of his benefactor.”

Yar’Adua’s acknowledgment of the flawed election process was followed by efforts to reform Nigeria’s electoral system, aiming to enhance transparency and credibility. These reforms, however, were met with resistance from elements within the political establishment who viewed them as a challenge to the status quo.

Lamido’s revelations provide insight into the complexities of Nigeria’s political landscape during Yar’Adua’s tenure and highlight the challenges faced in the pursuit of democratic reforms.