Why Jonathan, I Opposed Tambuwal’s Emergence as Speaker in 2011 — Obasanjo - Newstrends
Connect with us

Politics

Why Jonathan, I Opposed Tambuwal’s Emergence as Speaker in 2011 — Obasanjo

Published

on

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo

Why Jonathan, I Opposed Tambuwal’s Emergence as Speaker in 2011 — Obasanjo

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has revealed why he and ex-President Goodluck Jonathan opposed the emergence of Aminu Waziri Tambuwal as Speaker of the House of Representatives in 2011, describing the move as driven by party considerations and the desire to sustain gender inclusion in legislative leadership.

Obasanjo made the disclosure on Sunday at a leadership colloquium and 60th birthday celebration organised in honour of Tambuwal. The former president, who chaired the event, said the ruling party at the time believed that since a woman, Mulikat Akande Adeola, had been endorsed for the position, she should be encouraged to continue in the role.

According to Obasanjo, the opposition to Tambuwal was not personal but rooted in political strategy and inclusiveness. However, despite lacking the backing of the Jonathan administration, Tambuwal, then a second-term lawmaker from the North West, defeated Akande Adeola from the South West, polling 252 votes to 90 in the speakership contest.

The victory was largely made possible by support from opposition lawmakers and was widely seen as one of the rare moments in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic when the legislature asserted its independence against executive preference.

Obasanjo said both he and Jonathan respected the outcome, stressing that lawmakers merely exercised their constitutional rights. He added that one leadership quality he noticed early in Tambuwal was humility, which he described as central to genuine greatness.

READ ALSO:

“One thing I saw in you was humility. Greatness that does not include humility is greatness that is hollow. Your greatness is not hollow,” Obasanjo said.

Also at the event, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu congratulated Tambuwal on his 60th birthday, commending his years of service to Sokoto State and the nation. In a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described Tambuwal as a prominent politician and lawyer whose career has been marked by significant national responsibilities.

Tinubu recalled Tambuwal’s tenure as Speaker of the House of Representatives (2011–2015), noting that it coincided with a critical phase in Nigeria’s democratic evolution. He also acknowledged Tambuwal’s two-term tenure as Governor of Sokoto State (2015–2023), highlighting his contributions to governance and democratic development.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan, who joined the event virtually, said there were disagreements between the executive and the House during Tambuwal’s tenure but credited him with holding the chamber together and enjoying the confidence of lawmakers.

Former Senate President and ADC National Chairman, David Mark, described Tambuwal as a disciplined and dependable leader whose political journey has earned national respect. He recounted how Tambuwal expressed confidence ahead of the 2011 speakership contest despite party pressure.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar described Tambuwal as a leader with national potential, while former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, urged moderation and wisdom at 60, praising Tambuwal as a bridge builder committed to justice and national unity.

Former Edo State Governor and ex-APC National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, commended Tambuwal’s ability to manage a politically divided House, while Akande Adeola dismissed any suggestion of lingering resentment, saying leadership outcomes were guided by destiny.

In his remarks, Tambuwal warned that Nigeria is at a critical crossroads, calling for honest leadership, responsible governance and national unity. He said the country had drifted dangerously from the vision of its founding leaders and urged Nigerians to confront governance failures with sincerity.

Tambuwal stressed that rescuing Nigeria must rise above personal ambition, ethnicity and party interests, adding that leadership should be about service, not self-enrichment. He also pledged to take greater personal risks in defence of democracy and national renewal, urging citizens to actively demand accountable governance.

Why Jonathan, I Opposed Tambuwal’s Emergence as Speaker in 2011 — Obasanjo

Politics

Oyo Chief Whip Denies Impeachment Plot Against Governor Makinde

Published

on

Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde
Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde

Oyo Chief Whip Denies Impeachment Plot Against Governor Makinde

The Chief Whip of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Gbenga Oyekola, has dismissed reports linking him to an alleged plot to impeach Governor Seyi Makinde, insisting he has no involvement in any arrangement aimed at removing the governor from office.

The lawmaker, who represents Atiba State Constituency under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), made the clarification in a statement posted on his verified Facebook page on Tuesday, amid rising political speculation within the state.

Oyekola said he was neither invited nor consulted on any meeting or discussion relating to impeachment, stressing that he completely dissociates himself from such claims.

“I, Hon. Gbenga Oyekola, hereby completely disassociate myself from any arrangement or activity that has the potential to disrupt the peace of Oyo State,” he stated, adding that he remains committed to stability and unity within the Assembly.

READ ALSO:

He further declared his loyalty to Governor Makinde, stating that he “cannot and will not be disloyal” to the governor, while reaffirming his support for the administration and its policies.

“I reaffirm my unwavering loyalty and support for Governor Seyi Makinde, his government, and his party. I remain firmly committed to the peace, unity, and continued progress of Oyo State,” he added.

Oyekola also alleged that some individuals were attempting to create divisions within the Oyo State House of Assembly, warning that such actions could undermine legislative harmony and disrupt governance in the state.

He stressed that maintaining stability remains a priority for responsible lawmakers, noting that any attempt to destabilise the Assembly or state government could slow down ongoing development projects under the Makinde administration.

The clarification comes amid heightened political conversations and rumours of internal disagreements within some state legislatures across Nigeria, often fuelled by social media speculation.

However, no official confirmation of any impeachment move has been made by the Oyo State House of Assembly, and there has been no formal motion or public legislative action suggesting such a process is underway.

Political observers note that impeachment proceedings in Nigeria follow strict constitutional procedures and cannot proceed without formal legislative notice, investigation, and voting thresholds as provided under the law.

For now, the Assembly continues its legislative duties while stakeholders urge calm and caution against misinformation that could destabilise the state’s political environment.

Oyo Chief Whip Denies Impeachment Plot Against Governor Makinde

Continue Reading

Politics

APC Adopts Senator Adeola (Yayi) for Ogun 2027 Governorship Race

Published

on

Senator Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi
Senator Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi

APC Adopts Senator Adeola (Yayi) for Ogun 2027 Governorship Race

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has officially announced Senator Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, as the consensus governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The announcement was made on Monday during a strategic APC caucus meeting held in Abeokuta, which brought together party leaders, stakeholders, and political heavyweights to deliberate on succession planning and the party’s roadmap for the next election cycle.

Governor Abiodun said the decision followed extensive consultations within the party and reflected a collective agreement on the individual deemed most capable of sustaining APC’s political dominance in the state.

“But first, we’ve decided who is deserving as the next flag bearer of our dear state,” the governor stated during the meeting, signalling the formal adoption of Adeola as the party’s preferred candidate.

The announcement was followed by a show of excitement as Adeola stood to acknowledge the endorsement, with supporters cheering, chanting, and celebrating what many described as a major political breakthrough within the party.

READ ALSO:

Party leaders at the meeting reportedly emphasised the need for continuity, unity, and stability within the APC, noting that early consensus would help reduce internal rivalry and strengthen preparations ahead of 2027.

Adeola, who currently represents Ogun West Senatorial District in the Senate, has long been considered a front-runner in Ogun State politics due to his influence, political structure, and federal legislative experience.

Political observers say the endorsement marks a significant turning point in the APC’s succession strategy, potentially narrowing the field of aspirants and consolidating support around a single candidate within the party hierarchy.

The development is also expected to reshape early political calculations in Ogun State, as attention now shifts to opposition parties and other potential contenders ahead of what is expected to be a highly competitive governorship race.

Analysts note that the APC’s early consensus move could give the ruling party a strategic advantage by reducing internal divisions and allowing it to focus on broader campaign strategy well ahead of the election season.

As preparations for 2027 gather momentum, the endorsement of Adeola signals the beginning of intensified political realignments across Ogun State’s political landscape.

APC Adopts Senator Adeola (Yayi) for Ogun 2027 Governorship Race

Continue Reading

Politics

ADC Reps Demand Prosecution, Removal of INEC Chairman

Published

on

Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan
Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan

ADC Reps Demand Prosecution, Removal of INEC Chairman

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) caucus in the House of Representatives has called for the immediate prosecution and removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, over allegations of partisanship, compromised neutrality, and actions capable of undermining the credibility of the 2027 general elections.

The lawmakers made their position known after an inaugural caucus meeting held on Sunday, April 12, 2026, where they reviewed recent political developments and expressed concern over what they described as declining public trust in Nigeria’s electoral umpire.

In a strongly worded resolution, the ADC legislators alleged that the INEC chairman had engaged in conduct inconsistent with the expectations of an impartial electoral official. They claimed that his actions and public expressions raised questions about his neutrality in the discharge of his constitutional duties.

A key allegation raised by the caucus is that the INEC chairman allegedly operated a personal X (formerly Twitter) account where he was said to have expressed political opinions perceived as supportive of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and made posts relating to sensitive national issues, including claims of religious persecution in Nigeria.

Although INEC has previously denied any connection between Prof. Amupitan and the account in question, the lawmakers insisted that online investigations and digital claims circulating in the public space warrant deeper scrutiny and official clarification.

READ ALSO:

“The office of the INEC chairman is too critical to be tainted by allegations of partisanship,” the caucus stated, warning that failure to address the issue could erode confidence in the electoral process ahead of 2027.

The lawmakers further alleged that under Amupitan’s leadership, INEC has taken steps they consider prejudicial to the ADC, including what they described as recognition of a disputed internal leadership faction within the party. They argued that the commission’s actions interfere in internal party affairs and undermine its role as an independent electoral referee.

The caucus also raised concerns over an ongoing court case involving the ADC’s leadership dispute, scheduled for hearing on April 14, 2026, alleging possible undue influence and warning against what they described as judicial interference in party matters.

Citing provisions of the Electoral Act, the lawmakers argued that internal party disputes should not be subjected to external interference and urged strict adherence to constitutional and legal boundaries governing political party administration.

Beyond INEC, the ADC caucus also announced plans to petition the National Judicial Council (NJC), accusing some judicial officers of compromised conduct in politically sensitive cases. They called for investigations into alleged misconduct and possible disciplinary action where necessary.

The lawmakers referenced recent concerns raised by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) leadership over judicial independence and alleged political influence, including the controversial practice of political figures making donations or gifts to judicial officers.

Describing the situation as an “existential threat” to Nigeria’s democracy, the ADC lawmakers urged Nigerians to defend democratic institutions and ensure accountability across all arms of government.

They also lamented what they described as a decline in judicial integrity, citing respected jurists such as Justice Chukwudifu Oputa, Justice Niki Tobi, Justice Kayode Eso, and Justice Mohammed Uwais as benchmarks for judicial independence and credibility.

Reaffirming their position, the caucus insisted that INEC must not only be independent in name but must demonstrate transparency, impartiality, and credibility in both perception and practice, warning that any erosion of trust could have serious consequences for Nigeria’s democratic stability.

ADC Reps Demand Prosecution, Removal of INEC Chairman

Continue Reading
HostArmada Affordable Cloud SSD Shared Hosting
HostArmada - Affordable Cloud SSD Web Hosting

Trending