Tinubu Supported June 12 Annulment,” Sule Lamido Drops Bombshell in Trending Interview​

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In a controversial and trending interview that is causing ripples across Nigeria’s political space, former Jigawa State governor and ex-Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sule Lamido, has alleged that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu supported the annulment of the historic June 12, 1993 presidential election, widely regarded as the freest and fairest election in Nigerian history.

Speaking in an exclusive sit-down aired on national television, Lamido claimed that contrary to popular belief, Tinubu was aligned with the Abacha regime in the aftermath of the annulment and only switched sides when it became politically favorable to do so.

“People have short memories. Tinubu was part of those who initially supported the annulment of June 12. He only started using it later to build his political relevance,” Lamido said.

This allegation comes as a shock to many Nigerians, especially considering Tinubu’s long-standing position as one of the champions of the June 12 struggle, which has become a symbol of Nigeria’s democratic resilience. Tinubu, a former NADECO chieftain and Lagos State Governor, has often credited his political journey to his resistance against the military junta and advocacy for the recognition of MKO Abiola, the presumed winner of the June 12 election.

However, Lamido insists that Tinubu’s involvement has been largely over-romanticized, calling on historians and political analysts to revisit the records.

“He wasn’t the saint he’s painted to be. Many of them in that period played double games. History should not be written by those who merely benefit from it,” he emphasized.

The presidency has yet to issue an official response to Lamido’s claims. Political analysts, however, are divided. While some dismiss the statement as politically motivated, others believe it’s time to re-examine the true players of the June 12 era beyond public narratives.

📌 Background:

The June 12, 1993 election, presumably won by Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, was annulled by the military regime of General Ibrahim Babangida. The annulment led to mass protests, international condemnation, and the eventual rise of democratic forces that shaped Nigeria’s 1999 return to civilian rule.

Tinubu, over the years, positioned himself as one of the key voices for democracy, and in 2018, the federal government under Buhari declared June 12 as Nigeria’s official Democracy Day, further cementing Tinubu’s perceived legacy.

Lamido’s revelation, if true, could reframe how Nigerians view one of the most iconic political figures in recent times.

🔁 Reactions:

• Social media is ablaze with heated debates under the trending hashtags #June12Truth, #TinubuAndAbiola, and #SuleLamidoSpeaks.

• Several activists from the June 12 era have begun weighing in, with some defending Tinubu and others supporting Lamido’s position.