Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has revealed the reasons behind his and former President Goodluck Jonathan’s opposition to Aminu Tambuwal’s rise as Speaker of the House of Representatives in 2011.
Obasanjo explained that their decision stemmed from party considerations and the intention to uphold gender inclusion in Nigeria’s legislative leadership. He shared this information yesterday in Abuja during a leadership colloquium and the 60th birthday celebration of Tambuwal, a former Speaker and one-time Governor of Sokoto State.
The event saw the attendance of prominent figures such as former Senate President David Mark, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Adams Oshiomhole, Kayode Fayemi, and Mulikat Akande-Adeola.
Also present were Senate President Godswill Akpabio, represented by Senate Minority Leader Senator Abba Moro, Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese Matthew Kukah, former Speakers of the House of Representatives Patricia Etteh and Yakubu Dogara, Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe, and Minister of Housing Ahmed Musa Dangiwa.
Former governors in attendance included ex-governor of Rivers State Rotimi Amaechi, Aminu Masari (Katsina), Udom Emmanuel (Akwa Ibom), Ibikunle Amosun, and Otunba Gbenga Daniel (both of Ogun). Also present were former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Emeka Ihedioha and National Secretary of the ADC Rauf Aregbesola.
Tambuwal, then a second-term lawmaker and former Deputy Chief Whip from the North-West, defeated Akande-Adeola, a lawmaker from the South-West, in a closely contested election. Although his ambition was not backed by President Jonathan at the time, Tambuwal secured 252 votes against Akande-Adeola’s 90, out of 340 votes cast.
In his reflective address, Obasanjo confirmed that both he and then-President Jonathan initially opposed Tambuwal’s election as Speaker.
“Our reasoning was that if, for the first time, a woman had been elected as Speaker of the House, she should be encouraged to remain in that position,” Obasanjo stated.
However, he acknowledged that the lawmakers exercised their constitutional independence in electing Tambuwal, a decision that tested party supremacy within a democratic framework.
“But your members thought otherwise, and you made your decision. We supported your choice. Initially, even you were uncertain about where we would stand, but we stood with you,” he added.
Obasanjo described Tambuwal as a humble leader whose ascension illustrated that legislative authority ultimately resides with elected representatives.
“One thing I observed in you was humility. Greatness devoid of humility is hollow. Your greatness is not hollow,” Obasanjo remarked.
Jonathan, who was President at the time of the election, spoke virtually and corroborated Obasanjo’s account, acknowledging the issues and disagreements between the executive and the House regarding the speakership.
“When he was Speaker, I was the President, and we had our disagreements.
“But I must commend Tambuwal for the immense belief the House members had in him,” Jonathan stated.
He noted that the overwhelming support Tambuwal received from lawmakers showcased leadership qualities that many politicians lack.
“He kept the House united. His colleagues had unwavering faith in him, and as President then, I recognised that quality of leadership, even amidst our disagreements,” he added.
David Mark, then Senate President, recounted how Tambuwal and his deputy approached him before the election, effectively conscripting him into their political rebellion.
“They came to me and said, ‘Sir, whether you like it or not, you are adopting us as your sons.’
“They made it clear that regardless of the President and the party’s wishes, they would become Speaker and Deputy Speaker, and that I would sponsor them,” Mark recalled.
He described the situation as placing him in a difficult position, torn between party loyalty and legislative independence.
He admitted to deliberately ignoring pressure from the PDP leadership to locate Tambuwal on the eve of the election.
“For once, Mr President, I disobeyed you,” Mark said, eliciting laughter and applause from the audience.
He portrayed Tambuwal as deeply trusting and politically courageous, stating that the 2011 contest ultimately bolstered Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar mentioned he had cut short a holiday abroad to attend the event, describing Tambuwal as “a leader in the making” and a figure Nigeria should look to for future leadership.
“We are celebrating a remarkable Nigerian leader,” Atiku remarked, expressing hopes that Tambuwal would fulfil the prayers and expectations of Nigerians.
Additionally, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi depicted Tambuwal as a bridge-builder committed to consensus, justice, and national unity, urging him to continue reconciling differences in Nigeria.
“He is a man deeply devoted to the unity of this country and to fostering consensus for development,” Obi said.
In his remarks, Tambuwal stated that Nigeria had reached a critical juncture where collective action was imperative, asserting that the nation urgently required redemption from years of mismanagement and poor governance.
He described the current state of the country as deeply concerning and far removed from the ideals and aspirations of its founders, emphasising that the situation had disappointed not only conscientious citizens today but also those who had laboured in the past to build the nation.
According to him, national recovery would only be achievable if Nigerians were candid enough to acknowledge that something was fundamentally amiss in the way the country was governed.
Tambuwal emphasised that rescuing Nigeria must transcend personal ambition, ethnic sentiment, or party politics, urging political parties to articulate programmes aimed at development.
