The Special Assistant to the President on Special Duties in the Office of the Vice President, Jamiu Abiola, has responded to inquiries concerning his family member running against President Tinubu during the 2023 presidential election.
He said that their mother was distressed in her last days because certain family members had conflicts of interest and tried to obtain contracts by gaining favor with General Sani Abacha during the fight for democracy.
He said that although they knew President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was a close and devoted friend of their father, a different family member had run against him in the 2023 presidential election.
According to Jamiu Abiola, these acts amounted to betraying the family, much like Onitiri Abiola, who declared a Yoruba nation.
In a Punch interview, he stated, "During the struggle, some family members sold out. They tried to get close to General (Sani) Abacha for contracts, etc."
"These people turned my mother’s life into a nightmare and made her final days miserable indeed."
"As you said, even in last year’s election, a family member did the unthinkable by running against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu."
"Just like everyone else, this family member knew that President Tinubu was and remains our father’s closest and most loyal associate. Yet he broke ranks with the family just like this woman is doing by declaring a Yoruba nation."