Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has said former President Muhammadu Buhari deliberately stayed away from openly backing Bola Tinubu during the All Progressives Congress presidential primary because he had personal concerns rooted in his beliefs and principles.
Speaking during an interview with Symfoni TV, Lawal said Buhari initially struggled with the idea of Tinubu succeeding him but eventually agreed to avoid influencing the party’s primary after a series of discussions.
According to him, Buhari recognised Tinubu’s contributions to the APC over the years, especially his role in strengthening the party and supporting previous election campaigns, making it difficult to oppose his 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 explained that he persuaded Buhari to allow APC delegates to freely decide the party’s flag bearer instead of endorsing any aspirant.
“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.”
He recalled that Buhari was initially unconvinced, insisting that staying neutral would almost certainly lead to Tinubu emerging as the party’s 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 reminded Buhari that even if Tinubu secured the APC ticket, Nigerians would still have the final say during the presidential 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?”
He added that Buhari also wanted assurances that Tinubu would treat members of their political camp fairly if elected president.
“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.’”
Buhari eventually maintained a neutral position throughout the APC presidential primary, leaving delegates to choose the party’s candidate. Tinubu later won the primary and went on to emerge victorious in the 2023 presidential election.
