Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has revealed why the late President Muhammadu Buhari did not publicly back President Bola Tinubu during the 2023 All Progressives Congress primary. He cited religious and ethical concerns regarding Tinubu’s suitability as a successor.
In an interview with Symfoni TV released on Saturday, Lawal disclosed that Buhari was initially hesitant to support Tinubu. However, after extensive discussions, Buhari agreed to remain neutral and allow party delegates to decide the candidate.
Tinubu’s role in APC campaigns
According to Lawal, Tinubu played a critical role in previous APC election campaigns by providing resources and political strategists. This made it difficult for Buhari to oppose his presidential ambition outright.
“Bola Tinubu brought people and we coarced him to change the trajectory of the campaign through those his people,” Lawal said.
“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.”
Lawal advised Buhari to remain neutral
Lawal added that before the APC presidential convention, he advised Buhari to refrain from backing any aspirant. He suggested allowing party delegates to choose the candidate.
“As we were going to the convention, I said, ‘Oga’, let’s make a deal,” Lawal recalled. “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.”
“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.”
Buhari expressed concerns about fairness
Lawal said Buhari initially rejected the proposal. Buhari insisted that if Lawal managed the process, Tinubu would emerge as the party’s candidate.
“But Buhari said that’s not an excuse. I know you, you will give Bola Tinubu this ticket,” Lawal said.
He added that Buhari also expressed concern over whether Tinubu would be fair to members of their political camp if elected president.
“This man, is he going to be fair to our people? Is he going to be this?” Lawal quoted Buhari as asking.
“I said, yes, as long as I’m there, you know, I can checkmate him. He said, ‘Okay, deal.'”
Tinubu won the APC presidential primary in June 2022 and later won the February 2023 presidential election.
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