Former National Secretary of the defunct Social Democratic Party and ex-Governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido, has disclosed a controversial incident involving the late Abba Kyari, who later served as Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari.
In his recently released autobiography titled “Being True to Myself,” Lamido recounts how he and the late Abubakar Rimi, former Governor of Kano State, refused a N160 million offer reportedly intended to influence the selection of Olusegun Obasanjo’s running mate during the formation of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in 1998.
According to Lamido, the incident occurred during a key stage of Nigeria’s transition from military rule to democratic governance under then Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar. In Chapter 9 of his book, titled “Abdulsalami’s Transition and Formation of the PDP,” Lamido shares how Abba Kyari allegedly attempted to use a large financial gift to secure the vice presidential ticket alongside Obasanjo.
Lamido notes that Kyari was introduced to them by a younger associate who respectfully greeted him before presenting Kyari’s case. The man handed over a bank draft of N160 million, describing it as a “contribution to the party” to support the campaign.
“The young man greeted me in the traditional respectful salutation for elders, Ranka ya dade (May you live long), Sule! He then continued, gesturing to his companion, who extended his hand for a handshake, saying: ‘This is Abba Kyari, my companion. He wants to be allowed to serve as the running mate to Obasanjo on the PDP platform. He has brought a bank draft for the sum of N160 million as a contribution to the party, to meet the campaign expenses,’” Lamido recounts in the book.
Lamido expressed shock and anger at the offer, interpreting it as an attempt to “buy” a crucial national office. He reacted strongly, questioning the motives behind the money and rejecting the overture outright. “‘What?’ I reacted. ‘I beg your pardon. Are you coming here with money to buy us?… You idiot!’” he wrote, describing the moment they both turned down the proposal.
He notes that Kyari and his associate left the meeting quietly, clearly embarrassed by the rejection.
Lamido explained that Kyari likely approached them because both he and Rimi were considered influential figures in the PDP’s early leadership decisions. The two were deeply involved in discussions on who should be Obasanjo’s vice presidential candidate ahead of the 1999 general elections. Other potential candidates at the time included former Central Bank Governor Adamu Ciroma and Professor Jibril Aminu.
The memoir paints a vivid picture of behind-the-scenes political maneuvering during the formation of the PDP, and Lamido’s version of events sheds light on the role of money, influence, and integrity in Nigerian politics during a defining era.
The book was officially launched on May 13, 2025, and has already stirred conversations about the early days of the PDP and the characters that shaped Nigeria’s return to democracy.
