I Stopped a War!” – Lamido Reveals Shocking Details Of Clash Between Yar’Adua And Obasanjo

The revelation comes from Lamido’s newly published autobiography, Being True to Myself, in a chapter titled “My Relationship with Yar’adua.

There, Lamido describes the tense political environment and rising hostilities between the two former leaders, which he said threatened to erupt into open conflict.

Lamido recalls that, amid the growing tension, he took the bold step of meeting President Yar’adua in person, appealing to him to avoid a political confrontation with Obasanjo.

“I was ushered into his office where he asked me what was troubling me. Overwhelmed with emotion, I nearly went on my knees as I begged him, ‘In the name of God, please do not fight Obasanjo. You come from a strong moral and political background. It is against our culture and religion to show ingratitude to those who helped you when you needed them most,’” Lamido recalled.

Moved by Lamido’s emotional plea, President Yar’adua summoned his ADC and asked him directly, “What were my instructions to you regarding Obasanjo?” The ADC responded that Yar’adua had instructed him to approve any request made by Obasanjo—whether domestic or international—without needing to consult the president. Satisfied, Yar’adua asked Lamido if he was now reassured, to which he replied affirmatively and took his leave.

Though their relationship remained formal afterward, Lamido said the incident helped avert what could have been a serious political rift.

Lamido further disclosed that tensions worsened when Yar’adua’s associates began probing Obasanjo’s $16 billion National Integrated Power Project (NIPP). The investigation was led by a fellow PDP member and ally of Yar’adua, which Lamido viewed as a betrayal. When he raised his concerns, Yar’adua dismissed them, calling it an issue for the legislature.

The former governor also recalled a personal incident involving Yar’adua’s Chief Security Officer (CSO), Tilde. The CSO had accused Lamido of secretly visiting Obasanjo in Ota and even offered to suppress a petition allegedly written against him. Lamido, shocked and insulted, responded furiously and eventually went to the Presidential Villa to confront the CSO directly.

“I told him bluntly that the presidency had become a hotbed of gossip and petty mischief. I reminded him—loud enough for others to hear—that without Obasanjo, Yar’adua would not have become president,” Lamido wrote.

He concluded that the confrontation may have been what Obasanjo later referenced in My Watch Volume III, pages 49 to 50.