Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Babachir Lawal has disclosed that former President Muhammadu Buhari harbored personal reservations rooted in religion and ethics that made him reluctant to publicly endorse Bola Tinubu ahead of the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primary in June 2022. Lawal, in an interview with Symfoni TV released on Saturday, detailed how he brokered a deal with Buhari to stay neutral during the convention, ensuring a level playing field for all aspirants while acknowledging Tinubu's crucial contributions to the party's past victories.
Buhari's Religious and Ethical Reservations
According to Lawal, Buhari raised specific concerns about Tinubu's candidacy, questioning whether the former Lagos governor would be fair to members of their political camp if elected. Lawal recounted confronting Buhari with evidence of Tinubu's role in providing resources and political operatives that were instrumental to the APC's previous electoral successes. He argued that openly working against Tinubu would be unreasonable given his contributions. "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.
The Deal Struck Before the Convention
Lawal revealed that Buhari initially pushed back against the proposal, insisting that allowing Lawal to manage the convention would all but guarantee Tinubu's victory. "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 recalled. In response, Lawal countered that even if Tinubu secured the APC ticket, the general election would ultimately be decided by Nigerian voters. He also assured Buhari that he could keep Tinubu in check if he became 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,'" Lawal stated.
Tinubu's Path to the Presidency
At the June 2022 APC presidential primary, Buhari encouraged delegates to select a candidate capable of advancing the party's ideals but stopped short of naming anyone, despite intense lobbying from multiple aspirants. Tinubu went on to defeat former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, former Transport Minister Rotimi Amaechi, Senate President Ahmad Lawan, and Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello to secure the party's ticket. He subsequently won the February 2023 presidential election and was inaugurated as Nigeria's president on May 29, 2023. Lawal's revelations provide new insight into the behind-the-scenes dynamics that shaped the APC primary, highlighting the delicate balancing act between party loyalties and personal convictions.
Broader Implications for 2027
Lawal has also weighed in on the 2027 presidential election, predicting that Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso would form a formidable pair. He assigned specific winning chances to each major contender during a televised interview. The former SGF also commented on Atiku Abubakar's prospects following his public fallout with the former vice president. Meanwhile, Atiku has urged President Tinubu to resign, citing conflicting accounts from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF) over the Petroleum Industry Fiscal Policy Implementation Committee (PFIPC) accounts, which he says have trapped the Tinubu administration in a credibility crisis. Atiku demanded that Tinubu clarify which version of events he believes and explain why no independent investigation has been ordered. He also called on the National Assembly to summon the Accountant-General and the CBN Governor to testify under oath.
Lawal's interview adds a layer of historical context to the current political landscape, revealing the compromises and calculations that preceded Tinubu's ascent to power. As Nigeria approaches the next election cycle, these disclosures may influence perceptions of party unity and leadership integrity.
