Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, has claimed that late former President Muhammadu Buhari was initially reluctant to support President Bola Tinubu’s emergence as the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate due to concerns about his suitability.
Speaking during an interview with Symfoni TV released on Saturday, Lawal alleged that Buhari’s hesitation was influenced by his religious beliefs and personal principles.
According to Lawal, Tinubu had played a crucial role in the APC’s previous electoral successes by providing resources and political strategists, making it difficult for Buhari to openly oppose his presidential ambition.
Lawal recalled that Tinubu contributed significantly to Buhari’s campaign team, helping to reshape the party’s election strategy.
He said he confronted Buhari with those realities, arguing that Tinubu’s contributions to the party could not be ignored, eventually persuading the former president to reconsider his position.
The former SGF revealed that before the APC presidential convention, he suggested that Buhari remain neutral and allow party delegates to determine the party’s flag bearer.
Lawal said he advised Buhari that if Tinubu failed to secure the nomination through a transparent process, the former president would not be seen as having worked against him.
However, he claimed Buhari initially rejected the proposal, insisting that Lawal would ensure Tinubu emerged victorious if allowed to oversee the process.
According to Lawal, Buhari told him he understood his political methods and believed Tinubu would clinch the ticket under his supervision.
Lawal said he responded by arguing that even if Tinubu won the APC nomination, the final decision would still rest with Nigerians during the general election.
He further disclosed that Buhari also expressed concerns about whether Tinubu would treat members of their political camp fairly if he eventually became president.
Lawal said he assured Buhari that he would help ensure fairness within the administration, after which the former president agreed to remain neutral.
