Former Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, has made a startling revelation about his time in office, stating he once came very close to resigning from the administration of the late President Muhammadu Buhari.
The Book Launch Revelation
The disclosure was made on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, in Abuja during the unveiling of Mohammed's new book, titled 'Headlines and Soundbites: Media Moments that Defined an Administration'. The book's launch date was symbolic, coinciding with the birthday of the late president.
Mohammed offered guests a preview of the book's contents, promising readers would gain insight into some of the most difficult decisions he faced while in office. Among these was the pivotal moment when he nearly stepped down from his ministerial role.
Family Pressure During EndSARS Crisis
The former minister pinpointed the period of the EndSARS protests in October 2020 as the most turbulent phase that pushed him to the brink. In a recent interview with Arise Television, which he referenced, Mohammed explained that the situation became so intense that his family convened a special meeting.
His family members urged him to resign. They expressed deep concern over the severe bullying and harassment they faced both online and offline, which even began to affect their businesses. Their collective plea to him was clear: they were not benefiting from his position, so why were they being exposed to such risks?
Mohammed recounted having to calmly explain to them that the decision was not as simple as it seemed. He stated, "I had to sit them down and tell them it’s not as easy as that. There are things I know. There are things that I see that you cannot see."
The Context of the EndSARS Protests
The EndSARS movement was a massive, decentralised series of demonstrations across Nigeria, primarily in October 2020, demanding an end to police brutality perpetrated by the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).
The protests were met with forceful responses from security agencies at several locations. The most tragic incident occurred on the night of October 20, 2020, at the Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos State, where soldiers reportedly opened fire on peaceful protesters. Amnesty International documented at least 12 fatalities from the shooting.
In the aftermath, Lai Mohammed, as the government's chief spokesperson, famously described the Lekki incident as a "phantom massacre," insisting the military did not shoot at protesters. This stance placed him and his family at the centre of a fierce national controversy and backlash.
The high-profile book launch was attended by notable figures including former First Lady Aisha Buhari, who led the late president's family delegation. Other dignitaries present were former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Boss Mustapha, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, and former Minister of Aviation Hadi Sirika.
Lai Mohammed, a native of Kwara State, served as Minister of Information and Culture from November 2015 to May 2023. He is also a former National Publicity Secretary of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). His memoir is expected to provide further detailed accounts of the challenges and triumphs of his tenure.
