Obasanjo Explains Why He and Jonathan Opposed Tambuwal’s Emergence as Speaker in 2011

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Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has shed light on the political reasoning behind his opposition—alongside former President Goodluck Jonathan—to Aminu Waziri Tambuwal becoming Speaker of the House of Representatives in 2011.

Obasanjo explained that their stance was driven by the ruling party’s strategic interests and a desire to promote gender balance in the National Assembly’s leadership.

He made the remarks on Saturday during a leadership colloquium and 60th birthday celebration held in honour of Tambuwal, who previously served as Speaker of the House, later as Governor of Sokoto State, and now as a serving senator.

Looking back at the events surrounding the 2011 Speakership contest, Obasanjo recalled that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had endorsed Mulikat Akande-Adeola from the South-West as its preferred candidate.

“Our belief was that since a woman had, for the first time, risen to the position of Speaker, she deserved support to continue in that role,” he stated.

However, Tambuwal—then a two-term lawmaker and former Deputy Chief Whip from the North-West—defeated Akande-Adeola in a tightly contested election, securing 252 votes to her 90 out of 340 ballots cast.

Despite the executive arm’s opposition, the lawmakers insisted on Tambuwal’s emergence, a development Obasanjo said highlighted the independence of the legislature.

“But your members had a different view, and you all made your choice. We eventually supported your decision. At first, even you weren’t certain about our final position, but we stood by you,” Obasanjo added.

He described Tambuwal as a leader defined by humility, noting that true greatness must be anchored in modesty.

“One thing I recognised in you was humility. Greatness without humility is empty. Your greatness is genuine,” he said.

Tambuwal’s ascent was further strengthened by backing from the then–Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), led at the time by Bola Tinubu—one of the few moments in Fourth Republic politics when the legislature openly defied the executive branch.

Jonathan Confirms Past Disagreements

Speaking virtually, former President Goodluck Jonathan confirmed Obasanjo’s account and acknowledged that his administration had disagreements with the House during Tambuwal’s term as Speaker.

Jonathan said, “When he was Speaker, I was President, and we certainly had our differences. But I must acknowledge that the House had immense confidence in him. He kept the House united, and I respected that leadership quality—even during disagreements.”

Former Senate President David Mark also recalled Tambuwal’s approach before the election.

“They met me and said, ‘Sir, whether you like it or not, you are adopting us as your sons,’” Mark recounted.

He admitted that he ignored pressure from PDP leaders on the eve of the election.

“That day, Mr President, I disobeyed you,” he said, drawing applause from attendees.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar described Tambuwal as a leader with a promising future, while Peter Obi hailed him as a unifier committed to fairness, consensus-building, and national cohesion.

Former Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole praised Tambuwal’s ability to manage a House filled with political factions, while Akande-Adeola dismissed claims of resentment.

“Only what God permits will happen. Tambuwal has served as Speaker and as a leader. There is no bitterness between us,” she affirmed.

Tambuwal Issues Warning About Nigeria’s Direction

In his address, Tambuwal cautioned that Nigeria is at a decisive turning point and urgently requires rescue from years of mismanagement.

He stressed that national recovery must transcend personal ambition, ethnic loyalty, and partisan interests, warning against the imposition of unqualified leaders.

Tambuwal argued that such political practices weaken institutions and erode democracy, insisting that real progress can only begin when Nigerians admit that “something is fundamentally wrong” and commit to sincere reform.