Obasanjo, Jonathan reveal opposition to Tambuwal’s emergence as Speaker in 2011

By Kunle Sanni –

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has disclosed that he and former President Goodluck Jonathan opposed the emergence of Aminu Tambuwal as Speaker of the House of Representatives and Emeka Ihedioha as Deputy Speaker in 2011.

Obasanjo made the revelation on Monday in Abuja during a leadership colloquium and the 60th birthday celebration of Tambuwal, held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel.

According to Obasanjo, the opposition was based on the position of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the time and a desire to promote gender inclusion in the leadership of the National Assembly. He said the party preferred Mulikat Akande-Adeola as Speaker, noting that there was a belief she should be encouraged to continue in the role after previously serving in the House leadership.

“Our thinking was that if, for the first time, a woman had become Speaker of the House, she should be encouraged to remain there,” Obasanjo said.

He added, however, that the decision of PDP lawmakers to support Tambuwal demonstrated the independence of the legislature. Obasanjo said despite the initial opposition, the party leadership eventually supported the choice of the House.

“But your members thought otherwise, and you made your decision. And we supported your decision,” he said.

Tambuwal, who represented Sokoto South at the time, defeated Akande-Adeola in a closely contested election. Obasanjo noted that the PDP’s opposition did not change the outcome and described Tambuwal as a “warm and humble personality.”

Former President Jonathan, who also spoke at the event, reflected on the relationship between the executive and the House of Representatives during Tambuwal’s tenure as Speaker. He acknowledged that there were disagreements but praised Tambuwal’s leadership qualities.