Why Buhari Didn’t Back Tinubu at 2023 APC Primary — Babachir Lawal

• Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has revealed why late President Muhammadu Buhari refused to publicly endorse Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2022 APC presidential primary.

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, has disclosed that late former President Muhammadu Buhari deliberately refrained from publicly supporting President Bola Tinubu during the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primary because of “religious and ethical” concerns.

Speaking in an interview with Symfoni TV released on Saturday, Lawal said Buhari initially had reservations about Tinubu’s suitability to succeed him, citing his personal beliefs and upbringing.

According to Lawal, after several discussions, Buhari eventually agreed to remain neutral and allow APC delegates to determine the party’s presidential candidate at the convention rather than influence the outcome.

Lawal explained that Tinubu’s significant contributions to the APC over the years made it difficult for Buhari to openly oppose his presidential ambition.

He recalled that Tinubu played a major role in previous election campaigns by providing both resources and political strategists that helped strengthen Buhari’s presidential bids.

“Bola Tinubu brought people and we coarced him to change the trajectory of the campaign through those his people,” Lawal said.

He added, “Buhari is a human and he’s a decent guy. So I am the only person that confront him with these facts.

“He will not say I don’t know. He would not say it’s a rumour because I was there.

“So why would he deny him (Tinubu)? Why would he… in the end he said okay.”

Lawal further revealed that before the APC presidential convention, he personally advised Buhari to avoid endorsing any aspirant.

“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.”

However, Lawal said Buhari initially rejected the suggestion, expressing confidence that Tinubu would emerge as the party’s candidate if he stayed out of the process.

“But Buhari said that’s not an excuse. I know you, you will give Bola Tinubu this ticket.”

Lawal said he challenged Buhari’s position, responding, “I say, are you God now, sir?”

According to him, Buhari replied, “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 said he then reminded Buhari that even if Tinubu won the APC ticket, it would still be up to Nigerians to decide the outcome of the presidential election.

“I say, okay, okay, granted. If he gets the ticket, it means you are now a prophet. However, you’re ascribing to me qualities I don’t have.

“But let’s assume it happens. Supposing the general election rejects him, is that you?”

He added that Buhari also questioned whether Tinubu would treat members of their political camp fairly if elected 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.’”

Ahead of the APC presidential primary in June 2022, Buhari repeatedly urged party delegates to vote for the candidate they believed could best advance the party’s ideals but stopped short of publicly endorsing any of the leading aspirants despite intense lobbying.

Tinubu eventually defeated former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, former Senate President Ahmad Lawan and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello to secure the APC presidential ticket.

He later won the February 2023 presidential election and was sworn in as Nigeria’s president on May 29, 2023.