—President Tinubu Furious as Security Reports Expose Alleged Financial Impropriety*
The tenure of Bashir Bayo Ojulari as Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Limited may be nearing an abrupt end, authoritative sources have revealed to OBSERVERSThough unconfirmed reports suggest Ojulari has resigned, insiders disclose that while he has not officially stepped down, his position is now untenable. “Only a miracle can save him at this point,”* a high-ranking government official stated.
President Bola Tinubu, who appointed Ojulari just four months ago to replace Mele Kyari, is said to be “livid” over damning security reports detailing the NNPC chief’s questionable dealings—particularly his alleged financial transactions with Abdullahi Bashir-Haske, son-in-law to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
The Controversial Transactions
Investigations reveal that Ojulari allegedly facilitated the transfer of millions of dollars to AA&R Investment Group,a company owned by Bashir-Haske, with interests spanning energy, agribusiness, logistics, and ICT.
Bashir-Haske, married to Atiku’s daughter, is currently under scrutiny by the **Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)** for suspected money laundering. Sources within the anti-graft agency allege that he operated “sophisticated financial structures” to move illicit funds.
More troubling for the presidency, however, is the perception that NNPC under Ojulari may have “inadvertently funded the opposition”given Atiku’s status as a leading opposition figure and potential 2027 presidential candidate on the platform of the **African Democratic Congress (ADC).
“The president sees this as a betrayal—a stab in the back,” an insider disclosed.
The Baru Connection & Kyari’s Intervention
Bashir-Haske reportedly enjoyed lucrative NNPC contracts during the tenure of the late Maikanti Baru who served as NNPC GCEO from 2016 to 2019. However, when Mele Kyaritook over, he severed ties with Bashir-Haske over unresolved disputes linked to Baru’s estate.
Ojulari, who previously held executive roles at Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo) and later founded BAT Advisory & Energy maintained a business relationship with Bashir-Haske. Upon his appointment as NNPC CEO in April, Ojulari allegedly reinstated all privileges previously denied to Atiku’s son-in-law—a move now under intense scrutiny.
Tinubu’s Next Move
Presidency sources indicate that Ojulari’s exit is imminent, though the administration may opt for a “soft landing” to avoid further controversy.
“Removing him outright so soon would raise eyebrows, but what he did amounts to sleeping with the enemy,” a senior official remarked.
Implications for 2027 Politics.
The unfolding scandal carries significant political undertones. lost to Tinubu in the 2023 election, is positioning himself for another presidential run, and any perception of NNPC funds being channeled to his associates could fuel allegations of opposition financing through state resources.
As pressure mounts, the presidency is expected to make a decisive move in the coming days. For Ojulari, the once-promising tenure as NNPC helmsman now appears doomed—a stark reminder of the high-stakes intrigue that defines Nigeria’s oil and political landscapes.
OBSERVERS TIMESwill continue to monitor developments.
