Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Babachir Lawal has stated that President Bola Tinubu and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai were never genuine political allies. Lawal’s remarks, shared in an interview on July 26, 2026, directly challenge the widely held narrative that El-Rufai played a pivotal role in mobilizing Northern governors to back Tinubu’s presidential bid in the 2023 general elections.
El-Rufai’s Alleged Move to Undermine Tinubu in Lagos
According to Lawal, the tension between the two APC heavyweights ran so deep that El-Rufai at one point traveled to Lagos specifically to undermine Tinubu during a public conference. Lawal recounted that El-Rufai publicly boasted about his ability to deal with political godfathers—a remark widely interpreted as a direct swipe at Tinubu, who has long been regarded as one of Nigeria’s most influential political godfathers. “The relationship was built on tension, not loyalty,” Lawal asserted, pushing back against accounts that El-Rufai led Northern governors to support Tinubu’s campaign.
Challenging the Narrative of Northern Support for Tinubu
The claim that El-Rufai organized Northern governors behind Tinubu has circulated extensively in political circles. Lawal’s account offers a starkly different perspective, suggesting the two men were far more fractured than publicly acknowledged. The former SGF emphasized that El-Rufai’s actions in Lagos were a clear attempt to weaken Tinubu’s standing. The interview, shared by Nigerian Affairs Journal on X (formerly Twitter), has reignited debates about the internal dynamics of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2023 elections.
El-Rufai’s Complicated Relationship with Tinubu
El-Rufai himself has previously spoken about tensions within the APC and his own complicated standing in the party’s hierarchy. His departure from the APC and subsequent political moves have kept speculation about his alliances alive. Lawal’s latest remarks add fuel to the fire, with many on social media weighing in. One user, @Rabiu28323758, commented: “Elrufai already said that,” while @aoidowu1309 added: “That’s how bad El Rufai is.” Lawal’s statements underscore the deep personal and political rifts that continue to shape Nigeria’s ruling party.
Why Buhari Refused to Publicly Back Tinubu
In a related revelation, Lawal also explained why former President Muhammadu Buhari refused to publicly endorse Tinubu in the 2023 APC primary. According to Lawal, Buhari had religious and ethical reservations about handing power to Tinubu. Lawal disclosed that he brokered a deal with Buhari to remain neutral at the APC presidential convention in June 2022. Buhari reportedly questioned whether Tinubu would be fair to members of their political camp if elected. This neutrality was a significant factor in the primary’s outcome, as Buhari’s influence could have swayed delegates.
Lawal’s Prediction for the 2027 Presidential Election
Looking ahead, Lawal has also weighed in on the 2027 presidential election. He predicted that a ticket combining Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso would be a formidable challenge to the APC. During a televised interview, Lawal assigned specific winning chances to each major contender, though he did not provide exact percentages. He also commented on Atiku Abubakar’s prospects, following Atiku’s public fallout with the former vice president. Lawal’s analysis suggests that coalitions and personal rivalries will continue to define Nigerian politics.
The original video interview was posted on July 26, 2026, by Nigerian Affairs Journal on X. Lawal, a seasoned politician with over eight years of experience in federal governance, has a history of making pointed political observations. His claims about El-Rufai and Tinubu add a new layer to the ongoing discourse about loyalty and power within the APC.
