Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has revealed that the leadership of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) opposed Aminu Tambuwal’s bid to become Speaker of the House of Representatives in 2011.
Gatekeepers News reports that Obasanjo made the remarks on Saturday in Abuja during a colloquium celebrating the 60th birthday of the former Governor of Sokoto State.
He recalled that while the PDP leadership supported Mulikat Akande-Adeola, a lawmaker from Oyo State, as part of its push for gender inclusion in leadership, federal lawmakers insisted on Tambuwal’s candidacy and exercised their constitutional independence.
Obasanjo said, “Our thinking was that if, for the first time, a woman had become speaker of the house, she should be encouraged to remain there.”
“But your members thought otherwise, and you made your decision. And we supported your decision… One thing I saw in you was humility. Greatness that does not include humility is greatness that is hollow. Your greatness is not hollow.”
Tambuwal was eventually elected Speaker in June 2011 following internal disagreements over the party’s zoning arrangement. Obasanjo praised his humility and leadership qualities during his tenure.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan, who joined the event virtually, said lawmakers held Tambuwal in high regard when he served as Speaker.
Jonathan said, “When he was speaker, I was the president, and we had some disagreements. But one thing I must give to Tambuwal is that members of the house believed so much in him.”
The event was attended by prominent political figures, including former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, former governors Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, Kayode Fayemi, Aminu Masari, Udom Emmanuel, Ibikunle Amosun, Gbenga Daniel, Emeka Ihedioha, and Rauf Aregbesola.
Former Senate President David Mark, former House Speakers Patricia Etteh and Yakubu Dogara, Bishop Matthew Kukah, and several senators and ministers were also present.
