By Aliyu Oyewole
Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, has disclosed that former President Muhammadu Buhari initially declined to publicly support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s presidential ambition ahead of the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primary in 2022 due to religious and ethical concerns.
Speaking during an interview with Symfoni TV released on Saturday, Lawal revealed that Buhari was reluctant to back Tinubu as his preferred successor, citing concerns rooted in his personal convictions and upbringing.
According to Lawal, after a series of discussions, Buhari eventually agreed to remain neutral and allow delegates at the APC national convention to determine the party’s presidential candidate without presidential interference.
Lawal explained that Tinubu’s longstanding contributions to Buhari’s political journey made it difficult for the former president to openly oppose his aspiration.
“Bola Tinubu brought people and we changed the trajectory of the campaign through those people,” Lawal said.
“Buhari is a decent man. I confronted him with these facts. Why would he deny Tinubu after everything he had done? Eventually, he agreed.”
The former SGF said he persuaded Buhari to avoid endorsing any aspirant before the convention.
“I told him, ‘We know that because of your religion, ethics and upbringing, you don’t want to hand over to this man, but he helped us get here. Stay neutral and allow the delegates decide. If the party faithful reject him, your hands will be clean.’”
Lawal recalled that Buhari initially rejected the proposal, expressing confidence that Tinubu would emerge victorious if he stayed out of the process.
“He said, ‘I know you. If I leave this to you, Bola Tinubu will get the ticket.’ I replied, ‘Are you God now, sir?’”
He further argued that even if Tinubu secured the APC ticket, Nigerians would ultimately determine his fate at the general election.
Lawal also revealed that Buhari questioned whether Tinubu, if elected, would treat members of their political camp fairly.
“He mentioned concerns about whether Tinubu would be fair to our people. I assured him that as long as I was there, I could checkmate him. After that, he agreed.”
Ahead of the APC presidential primary in June 2022, Buhari consistently urged party delegates to choose the candidate they believed best represented the party’s ideals but refrained from publicly endorsing any aspirant despite intense lobbying.
Tinubu eventually defeated prominent contenders, including former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, Senate President Ahmad Lawan, and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello to secure the APC presidential ticket.
He subsequently won the February 2023 presidential election and was inaugurated as Nigeria’s President on May 29, 2023.
