Babachir Lawal, a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), has revealed that Muhammadu Buhari did not publicly endorse Bola Tinubu during the 2023 All Progressives Congress (APC) primary due to religious and ethical concerns.
In an interview with *Symfoni TV* released on Saturday, Lawal claimed that Buhari was initially hesitant to back Tinubu, questioning his suitability as a successor. However, after extensive discussions, the former president agreed to remain neutral and allow party delegates to choose the candidate at the national convention.
According to the former SGF, Tinubu played a pivotal role in previous APC election campaigns by providing essential resources and political strategists, making it difficult for Buhari to outrightly oppose his presidential ambitions.
“Bola Tinubu brought people, and we coerced him [Buhari] to change the trajectory of the campaign through those people,” Lawal stated. “Buhari is a human being and a decent guy. I was the only person who could confront him with these facts. He couldn’t claim he didn’t know or say it was a rumor because I was there. So, in the end, he said, ‘Okay.’”
Lawal further explained that before the APC presidential convention, he advised Buhari to refrain from backing any specific aspirant.
“As we were heading to the convention, I said, ‘Oga, let’s make a deal.’ I told him, ‘Look, we know that based on your religion, ethics, and upbringing, you are hesitant to hand over to this man [Tinubu], but he helped us get here.’ I suggested he stay neutral and allow me to run the process. If the party faithful defeated him at the convention, so be it—Buhari’s hands would be clean.”
Lawal noted that Buhari initially rejected the proposal, fearing that Lawal’s involvement would guarantee Tinubu’s victory.
“Buhari said, ‘That’s not an excuse. I know you; you will give Bola Tinubu this ticket.’ I asked him, ‘Are you God now, sir?’ He replied, ‘No, but you’ve been with me since 2002. I know how you work and I know your methodologies. If I leave him to you, he’ll get the ticket.’”
Lawal responded by arguing that even if Tinubu secured the APC ticket, the general electorate would still have the final say. “I said, ‘Okay, granted. If he gets the ticket, it means you are a prophet. But if the general election rejects him, that isn’t on you.’”
The former SGF also mentioned that Buhari expressed concern over whether Tinubu would be fair to their political allies if he became president.
“He mentioned some things—asking if this man would be fair to our people. I told him, ‘Yes, as long as I am there, I can checkmate him.’ He finally said, ‘Okay, deal.’”
Ahead of the APC presidential primary in June 2022, Buhari repeatedly urged delegates to choose a candidate who could advance the party’s ideals but stopped short of an endorsement, despite intense lobbying from contenders.
Tinubu eventually defeated other prominent aspirants, including former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, and Senate President Ahmad Lawan, to clinch the ticket. He went on to win the February 2023 presidential election and was sworn in on May 29, 2023.
