set and match

Nigeria 2023: How a Lagos godfather crushed the opposition

By Akin Irede

Reserved for subscribers

Posted on June 8, 2022 14:37

Nigerian Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (left) and APC leader Bola Tinubu

Nigeria’s eloquent and charismatic vice-president, Yemi Osinbajo, lost to his erstwhile benefactor Bola Tinubu, bringing his presidential ambition to an end and cementing Tinubu’s position in the game of politics. This is the inside story of how the Lagos godfather won the presidential ticket for the ruling party – putting him in pole position to become president.

He was publicly threatened by the national chairman of the APC, Abdullahi Adamu, and lambasted by the presidency for daring to say that he was largely responsible for helping a serial election loser, General Muhammadu Buhari, become the president of Nigeria. For many, these scathing attacks on the eve of a presidential primary were sufficient evidence that the game was over for Tinubu.

There's more to this story

Get unlimited access to our exclusive journalism and features today. Our award-winning team of correspondents and editors report from over 54 African countries, from Cape Town to Cairo, from Abidjan to Abuja to Addis Ababa. Africa. Unlocked.

Subscribe Now

cancel anytime

Already a a subscriber Sign In

More Politics

© Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu delivers his speech after taking oath of office during his inauguration at the Eagle Square in Abuja, Nigeria on May 29, 2023. (Photo by KOLA SULAIMON / AFP)

tactical master

Nigeria: Can opposition withstand four years of Tinubu’s presidency? Having convinced key opposition figures to work for his success at the Presidential poll in February, Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has through deft...

© South Africa, which holds the rotating presidency of the Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) group, wants to advance the continent’s interests.

achieving change

What will Africa’s future be within BRICS? South Africa, which holds the rotating presidency of the Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) group, wants to advance the continent’s...

© Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara, April 27, 2023 in Abidjan. ISSOUF SANOGO/AFP

Long game

Côte d’Ivoire: President Ouattara impatient with Burkina Faso’s Ibrahim Traoré The Ivorian head of state wants to resume joint operations with Burkina Faso, but for now, Ouagadougou’s transitional president is using delaying tact...

gold trail

Zimbabwe: Uebert Angel, the man of God accused of money laundering Uebert Angel, President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s envoy and ambassador at large to Europe and the Americas, is portrayed as a central figure among powerful...