A thread:
1 For those who aren't for personalities but for institutions & principles, public records matter. White washing history is not a Nigerian invention but refusing to connect dots & see matters in context is 1 of our failings in disrupting decades of exploitive politics
1 For those who aren't for personalities but for institutions & principles, public records matter. White washing history is not a Nigerian invention but refusing to connect dots & see matters in context is 1 of our failings in disrupting decades of exploitive politics
2. Bolaji Abdullahi & Segun Adeniyi talk about Tinubu’s ambition to be president in On a Platter of Gold & Against the Run of Play. Presidential ambition is perfectly legal (even though since 1960 only 1 ex general turned civilian has had open ambition & won the presidency)
3. But we cannot be forced to accept that Tinubu (or any of our long standing successful politicians) always makes the right, altruistic decisions for his political party, Nigerians and Nigeria
4. Lets’ start with Platter of Gold: “it is no longer a secret that Tinubu worked for GEJ’s election in 2011.” In 2015 Tinubu was no longer willing to work for GEJ & reminded him of the small print of their agreement in 2011. 
5. GEJ had not delivered on 4 promises (I really wish I knew what those promises were). Besides ‘what made GEJ think that he, Tinubu, did not also want to be President of Nigeria?’
6. In Against Run of Play the desire of Tinubu to be running mate to GMB was laid bare – pg113- 4. Those who led the charge against were Saraki, Wamakko & Yari on the basis that a Muslim-Muslim ticket would fail but most in APC believed VP slot should go to the SW.
7. On Dec 15 2014 (pg. 119) GMB told BAT he could not be VP & asked him to nominate 3 people. BAT sent 1 name: Osinbajo. Now this is important. After the announcement of Osinbajo BAT hinted at opposition to his being VP in a statement:
8. “Despite all the noise & opposition around my possible selection, [Buhari] stood firm; he showed the traits of a leader in holding to a decision he believed was right despite errant plots against it”.
9. He goes on: “When my name was raised, the political hatchet men tried to chop it down with rumour & lies. Over the years, I have developed a thick skin. The personal attacks did not bother me. I am used to them.” Pg 120
10. From these accounts, it is understandable why Tinubu would have issues with Saraki & then Saraki made it worse by becoming Senate President against APC’s position & it was down hill from there until where we are today with statements from both.
11. Abdullahi says something interesting on pg 287. That APC was still only a coalition of regional parties until nPDP joined them. Only then did they become a national party capable of toppling the incumbent.
12. The fact that APC winning the presidency was a joint effort that included nPDP seems to rankle & has been a source of tension for APC since May 29 2015. APC ‘leaders’ sat & watched the tensions fester. Why couldn’t they keep the coalition together?
13. It is important to read & even more important to reflect on what one reads in the context of what else is going on. In the end, what has our politics done for our development rankings, our place in the world, our peace & happiness? Very little.
14. That said to disrupt politics as usual & take back Nigeria we need to appreciate our political history, see current seasoned politicians for what they are & take only the side of progress, transparency & accountability.
15. As they continue to wound each other, more & more of the stories spill out. I am only here for the history lessons. On this day of Eid Al Adha may their blood strengthen the grass (citizens) they have trampled upon for so long. Eid Mubarak.
