Tinubu Withdrew Support for Fashola Over Political Autonomy Bid — Ex-Aide
A former aide to President Bola Tinubu claims Tinubu withdrew support for Babatunde Fashola's second-term bid due to concerns over Fashola building an independent political base, prompting Fashola to seek backing from traditional rulers.
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A former Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu, Professor Dapo Thomas, has revealed that Tinubu initially withdrew his support for Babatunde Fashola’s second-term bid as Lagos State Governor due to concerns that Fashola was attempting to build an independent political structure apart from his mentor.
Thomas, who served in Tinubu’s administration during his tenure as Lagos governor, stated that the perceived move toward political autonomy created a rift that led to the withdrawal of backing. 'Tinubu saw Fashola’s actions as a shift away from the established political alignment,' Thomas said, according to Vanguard News.
Following the loss of Tinubu’s support, Fashola reportedly turned to traditional rulers for political backing. 'Fashola had to beg the Obas for help,' Thomas alleged, suggesting that the appeal to Nigeria’s traditional elite was a strategic effort to regain political footing amid diminishing support from his former mentor.
The account, also reported by Naija News, underscores longstanding dynamics within Lagos political circles, where loyalty to political godfathers often influences governance and succession. While Fashola eventually completed two terms as governor, the revelations shed light on internal tensions that shaped political maneuvering during that period.
Neither the office of President Tinubu nor Fashola has issued a public response to Thomas’s statements. The claims, however, contribute to ongoing discussions about political dependency and autonomy within Nigeria’s ruling elite.