Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal has disclosed that late President Muhammadu Buhari was reluctant to hand over power to Bola Tinubu during the APC presidential primary, citing religious and ethical concerns.
Lawal’s Claims About Buhari’s Reservations
According to Lawal, Buhari’s hesitation stemmed from his personal beliefs about Tinubu’s suitability, rooted in the former president’s religion, ethics and upbringing. Lawal stated that Buhari, “a decent guy,” could not openly reject Tinubu because the latter had supplied crucial resources and strategists for earlier APC campaigns.
Lawal recalled telling Buhari, “Bola Tinubu brought people and we coerced him to change the trajectory of the campaign through those his people,” and emphasized that Buhari would not deny the facts because Lawal was present during the discussions.
Proposed Neutrality Deal and Buhari’s Response
Ahead of the APC national convention, Lawal proposed that Buhari remain neutral and allow party delegates to choose the candidate freely. He suggested a deal: if the delegates rejected Tinubu, Buhari’s hands would stay clean.
Buhari initially rejected the idea, insisting he would ensure Tinubu emerged as the candidate if left to manage the process. Lawal challenged him, asking, “Are you God now, sir?” Buhari replied that he knew Lawal’s methods from their collaboration since 2002 and believed Tinubu would secure the ticket under Lawal’s influence.
Lawal argued that even if Tinubu won the APC ticket, the ultimate decision would rest with Nigerian voters in the general election. He also noted Buhari’s concern about whether Tinubu would treat members of their political camp fairly if elected.
After further discussion, Buhari reportedly agreed to the neutrality proposal, saying, “Okay, deal.” Lawal concluded that the former president’s reservations were rooted in principle rather than outright opposition to Tinubu’s ambition.
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