Marwa Shares Why He Let Tinubu Win Lagos Election

Former Lagos military administrator and current NDLEA chairman, Brig-Gen Mohamed Marwa (rtd), has explained why he conducted the election that brought President Bola Tinubu into office as Lagos governor.

He spoke in Abuja during the launch of Buni Boy, a book written by the late legal scholar Niyi Ayoola-Daniels.

Marwa told the audience that his choices were shaped by his upbringing across different parts of the country. He said growing up in Zaria, Enugu, Abeokuta and Lagos taught him early that Nigeria’s many cultures are connected and that this mix helps build stronger communities.

He described his time in Lagos as a period when the people stood by him, even though the federal government was not popular in the state. According to him, the support he received made it clear that he owed Lagos residents a fair and open election process.

He recalled that while the Head of State at the time did not interfere, some military officers asked him to block Tinubu because of his role in pro-democracy struggles. Marwa said Tinubu’s strong public support made it clear who the voters wanted, and he allowed the results to reflect their choice.

He told the audience that Nigeria’s challenges should push the country toward unity, not division. He noted that the country becomes stronger when every group feels included and respected.

The event also paid tribute to the late author, whose family said his work carried a message about hope, justice and the strength that comes from Nigeria’s mix of cultures. They described Buni Boy as a story born from real experiences and a reminder that shared values can bring people together.