Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, has revealed that late former President Muhammadu Buhari declined to publicly endorse Bola Tinubu during the 2023 All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primary because of religious and ethical reservations.
Speaking in an interview with Symfoni TV released over the weekend, Lawal said Buhari initially had concerns about Tinubu’s suitability as his successor but eventually agreed to remain neutral after a series of discussions.
According to Lawal, Tinubu’s significant contributions to the APC’s previous election victories, including providing resources and political strategists, made it difficult for Buhari to openly oppose his presidential ambition.
“Bola Tinubu brought people, and we persuaded him to change the trajectory of the campaign through those his people.
“Buhari is a human being, and he’s a decent man. I am the only person who confronted him with these facts. He could not deny them because I was there.
“So why would he deny Tinubu? In the end, he said, ‘Okay,’” Lawal said.
Lawal explained that ahead of the APC presidential convention, he advised Buhari to stay out of the contest and allow party delegates to decide the candidate.
“I told him, ‘Oga, let’s make a deal. We now know that, based on your religion, ethics and upbringing, you don’t want to hand over to this man, but he has helped us get here. Stay neutral and allow the process to run. If the party faithful defeat him at the convention, so be it. Your hands will be clean,’” he recalled.
According to Lawal, Buhari initially rejected the proposal, insisting that Tinubu would secure the party’s ticket if he was allowed to oversee the process.
“He said, ‘That’s not an excuse. I know you. You’ve been with me since 2002. I know how you work. If I leave the process to you, Bola Tinubu will get the ticket.’
“I replied, ‘Are you God now, sir?’” Lawal said.
He added that he reminded Buhari that even if Tinubu emerged as the APC candidate, Nigerians would still determine the outcome of the presidential election.
“I said, ‘Even if he gets the ticket, the general election could still reject him. That decision rests with the Nigerian people,’” he stated.
Lawal also disclosed that Buhari expressed concern about whether Tinubu would treat members of their political camp fairly if he eventually became president.
“He asked whether Tinubu would be fair to our people. I assured him that, as long as I was there, I could checkmate him. He then said, ‘Okay, deal,’” Lawal recounted.
Ahead of the APC presidential primary in June 2022, Buhari repeatedly urged party delegates to choose the aspirant they believed could advance the party’s ideals but refrained from publicly endorsing any of the contenders despite intense lobbying.
Tinubu eventually defeated other leading 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 went on to win the February 2023 presidential election and was inaugurated as Nigeria’s president on May 29, 2023.
