FORMER Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, has revealed that late former President Muhammadu Buhari declined to publicly support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the 2023 All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primary because of religious and ethical concerns.
News Point Nigeria reports that Lawal made the disclosure in an interview with Symfoni TV released on Saturday, where he explained that Buhari was initially reluctant to back Tinubu as his preferred successor, citing concerns over his suitability based on religious and ethical considerations.
According to Lawal, after extensive discussions with the former president, Buhari eventually agreed to remain neutral and allow delegates at the APC national convention to determine the party’s presidential candidate.
The former SGF said Buhari acknowledged Tinubu’s significant contributions to the APC, particularly his role in previous election campaigns through the provision of resources and political strategists, making it difficult for the former president to outrightly oppose Tinubu’s presidential ambition.
“Bola Tinubu brought people and we coarced him to change the trajectory of the campaign through those his people.
“Buhari is a human and he’s a decent guy. So I am the only person that confront him with these facts.
“He will not say I don’t know. He would not say it’s a rumour because I was there.
“So why would he deny him (Tinubu)? Why would he… in the end he said okay,” Lawal said.
Lawal further disclosed that before the APC presidential convention, he urged Buhari to avoid endorsing any aspirant publicly and instead allow the party delegates to freely choose the presidential flag bearer.
“As we were going to the convention, I said, ‘Oga’, let’s make a deal. I said look, this man (Tinubu), we now know that on the basis of your religion and your ethics and your upbringing, you don’t want to hand over to this man, but he has helped us get here.
“So there’s no way. Let’s make a deal. Stay neutral and allow me to run the process.
“If we go to the convention and the party faithfuls defeat him, so be it. Your hand is not in it,” Lawal recounted.
According to him, Buhari initially rejected the proposal, insisting that if he was allowed to supervise the process, Tinubu would ultimately emerge as the APC presidential candidate.
“But Buhari said that’s not an excuse. I know you, you will give Bola Tinubu this ticket.
“I say, are you God now, sir?
“Buhari said, no, you started with me since 2002. So I know how you work. I know your methodologies. That man, if I leave him to you, he’ll get the ticket.”
Lawal said he responded by telling Buhari that even if Tinubu secured the APC presidential ticket, Nigerians would still have the final say during the general election.
“I say, okay, okay, granted. If he gets the ticket, it means you are now a prophet. However, you’re ascribing to me qualities I don’t have.
“But let’s assume it happens. Supposing the general election rejects him, is that you?”
The former SGF also revealed that Buhari expressed concern over whether Tinubu, if elected president, would treat members of their political camp fairly.
“He mentioned some things. This man, is he going to be fair to our people? Is he going to be this?
“I said, yes, as long as I’m there, you know, I can checkmate him.
“He said, ‘Okay, deal.’”
Lawal recalled that ahead of the APC presidential primary held in June 2022, Buhari consistently urged delegates to elect a candidate they believed could advance the party’s ideals but deliberately refrained from publicly endorsing any of the aspirants despite intense lobbying by leading contenders, including Tinubu.
Tinubu, a former governor of Lagos State, eventually defeated other frontline aspirants, 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 sworn in as Nigeria’s president on May 29, 2023.