Alake accuses Lamido of betraying MKO Abiola’s mandate

Dele Alake, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, has sharply criticized former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido for his comments on the annulled presidential election on June 12, 1993. In a recent television appearance, Lamido said that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu backed the annulment of the election and that Tinubu’s mother, the late Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji, led market women to Abuja to show support for the military rule. He also alleged that the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) was founded not to fight for June 12, but to support the late General Sani Abacha.

Alake responded by dismissing Lamido’s accusations as falsehoods and historical distortions. He accused Lamido, the Social Democratic Party’s (SDP) Secretary, of being complicit in undermining the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Abiola’s mandate. According to Alake, Lamido and the then-SDP chairman sold out Abiola’s victory by agreeing to the formation of the National Interim Government (NIG) after the election was nullified.

Alake emphasized Tinubu’s role in the June 12 campaign, stating that Tinubu was essential in securing Abiola’s candidacy at the SDP Jos conference. He disclosed that Tinubu helped broker a deal that persuaded Atiku Abubakar to step down for Abiola, assuring MKO’s election as the party’s flagbearer.

Read Also: 2027: APC Will Be Surprised by Coalition’s Power — Kenneth Okonkwo

Alake described Lamido’s words as revisionist, saying, “Lamido’s claims are lies from the pit of hell.” He is attempting to conceal his personal involvement in the treachery of June 12.” He further stated that Tinubu’s mother was just pleading with Abacha to restore Abiola’s mandate.