In a stunning revelation, Fatima Buhari, the daughter of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, has detailed the immense power and influence allegedly wielded by Tunde Sabiu, her father's nephew and private secretary, during the eight-year administration.
The Gatekeeper to the President
Fatima's account, shared in the authorized biography titled 'From Soldier to Statesman: The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari' by Charles Omole, paints a picture of a presidency where access was tightly controlled. She stated that Sabiu managed the flow of documents and determined who could see the president, a role that granted him authority far beyond his official title.
"Tunde had a hold on most of the ministers," Fatima revealed, emphasizing that she is recounting firsthand observations, not spreading rumours. She described a climate of fear where government officials believed that offending Sabiu could stall or completely halt their official initiatives.
Ministers Operated in Fear
According to Fatima, the influence was so pervasive that ministers treated Sabiu as the ultimate gatekeeper for progress. "He was overbearing," she said, noting that he made it clear to ministers that they could achieve nothing without his involvement.
She corroborated widely circulated stories, including an incident where a foreign visitor was filmed joking that it was impossible to gain an audience with President Buhari without Sabiu's approval. This anecdote underscored the perceived control he exercised over the presidency's doors.
A Rare Moment of Rebuke
Despite the described influence, Fatima recalled a rare instance where her father publicly corrected Sabiu. "In front of me, there's a time that Baba shouted at Tunde," she shared. This moment of open confrontation was notable in an administration she characterized as typically relying on persuasion rather than direct reprimand.
Concerns Over Forged Signatures
Adding another layer to her disclosures, Fatima, who is a forensic auditor by profession, raised concerns about forged signatures during her father's tenure. She stated that she personally reviewed documents and presented examples of fake signatures to President Buhari.
However, she clarified that she could not identify the individuals responsible and noted that such incidents of forgery were not unique to her father's government, having occurred in previous administrations as well.
The biography, unveiled at the State House in Abuja on Monday, December 15, 2025, provides an insider's perspective on the Buhari years. Fatima's revelations about Tunde Sabiu's role offer a glimpse into the internal dynamics and power structures that operated behind the scenes of the former president's administration.
