Real reason Buhari declined to publicly back Tinubu before APC primary – Babachir Lawal

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, has disclosed that former President Muhammadu Buhari deliberately avoided openly endorsing President Bola Tinubu ahead of the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primary in 2022 because of concerns rooted in religion and personal values.

Speaking during an interview with Symfoni TV aired on Saturday, Lawal said Buhari was initially reluctant to support Tinubu’s presidential aspiration, questioning whether he was the right person to succeed him.

According to him, after a series of discussions, Buhari eventually agreed to remain neutral and allow delegates at the party’s national convention to determine the APC’s presidential candidate.

Lawal explained that Buhari found it difficult to oppose Tinubu’s ambition outright because of the significant contributions the former Lagos State governor had made to the APC’s previous election victories, particularly through strategic support and mobilisation.

“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.

The former SGF said he persuaded Buhari before the APC convention to avoid backing any aspirant and instead allow party delegates to freely choose the candidate.

“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.”

Lawal said Buhari initially rejected the proposal, arguing that if he handled the process, Tinubu would inevitably emerge as the party’s flag bearer.

“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.”

He recalled assuring Buhari that even if Tinubu secured the APC ticket, Nigerians would ultimately determine the outcome of 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?”

Lawal further revealed that Buhari was also worried about whether Tinubu, if elected president, would treat members of their political camp fairly.

“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 stance throughout the build-up to the APC presidential primary in June 2022, repeatedly urging delegates to choose the aspirant they believed best represented the party’s ideals without publicly endorsing any contender.

Tinubu later defeated other aspirants, including former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, Senate President Ahmad Lawan and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, to secure the APC presidential ticket. He subsequently won the February 2023 presidential election and was inaugurated as President on May 29, 2023.

(PUNCH)