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

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“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