Bola Tinubu on Thursday publicly claimed credit for the emergence of Dapo Abiodun as Ogun governor in 2019, saying more politicians across Nigeria owe him gratitude.

Mr Tinubu’s comments came when he rallied party delegates in Ibadan on Thursday afternoon, during which he touched on different politicians he had helped navigate hard times.

“This one sitting behind me, Dapo, can he say he could have become a governor but for me?” Mr Tinubu said while pointing at Mr Abiodun. The governor did not comment, but he was visibly humiliated. His spokesman did not immediately return a request seeking comments.

Mr Tinubu has ramped up his campaign for the ruling All Progressives Congress’ presidential nomination on June 6. He is widely seen as a front runner, but there are widespread speculations he has no support from President Muhammadu Buhari.

After two failed attempts, Mr Abiodun was elected governor in 2019 after facing a tough contest with then-incumbent Ibikunle Amosun.

Mr Abiodun was widely rumoured to have defeated Mr Amosun’s candidate because he had the backing of Mr Tinubu at the time.