Why Tinubu Is Different From past Presidents – Sule Lamido

Former Governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido, acknowledged that President Bola Tinubu’s political journey differs from that of his predecessors.

According to the former Minister of Foreign Affairs, the likes of Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi, Murtala Muhammed, Olusegun Obasanjo and Muhammadu Buhari were shaped more by the institutions and constituencies that backed them rather than their own personalities.

Lamido asserted this during a recent interview with Daily Trust, where he spoke deeply on governance in Nigeria and the internal crisis rocking his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Lamido, who was asked why he was still in the PDP despite the division within the opposition party, said, “I am not wallowing. I’m simply saying that Nigeria has given me so much—a space to grow and achieve what I have. So, my focus is on how to give back, to create opportunities for others. This isn’t just personal. No Nigerian leader gets where they are alone; it’s about building something meaningful for future generations.”

“Exactly. None of them were made by their personality alone; they came from institutions, from contexts that empowered them. Tinubu, however, is different.

“He’s defined largely by his personality, not any institutional backing. Buhari tried four times and couldn’t win alone, which shows it wasn’t just about him,” Lamido said while clarifying his claims that no Nigerian leader gets to where they are alone.

When asked whether Tinubu’s political prowess should be admired and praised, the former Governor said: “If it were for the country’s benefit it would be worth celebrating. But this feels different. It is pharaonic—a rule that’s about consolidating power, like a pharaoh.”

“Yes, a leader who can truly guide people towards positive change. But the question remains—are Nigerians willing to follow a “Moses” figure and make the necessary sacrifices? Honestly, I doubt it. The people here are, in a sense, like Pharaoh’s people—resistant to the changes we need,” he added when asked whether Nigeria needs a Moses to lead it to its promised land.