Buhari withheld support for Tinubu over ethical, religious concerns — Babachir

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has revealed that late former President Muhammadu Buhari declined to publicly endorse Bola Tinubu ahead of the All Progressives Congress presidential primary because of ethical and religious concerns.

Speaking in an interview with Symfoni TV released on Saturday, Lawal said Buhari initially had reservations about Tinubu succeeding him but eventually agreed to remain neutral after discussions.

According to him, Buhari believed Tinubu had made significant contributions to the APC’s electoral successes by providing political strategists and resources, making it difficult to oppose his presidential ambition outright.

“Bola Tinubu brought people and we persuaded him to change the trajectory of the campaign through those his people,” Lawal said, adding that Buhari acknowledged Tinubu’s role in the party’s rise.

Lawal said he advised Buhari ahead of the APC convention to allow delegates decide the party’s presidential candidate rather than endorse any aspirant.

“I told him, ‘Stay neutral and allow the party faithful to decide. If Tinubu loses at the convention, your hands are clean,’” he recalled.

According to Lawal, Buhari initially resisted the proposal, insisting that if he allowed the process to run freely, Tinubu would eventually secure the party’s ticket.

“He said, ‘I know you. If I leave it to you, Bola Tinubu will get the ticket,’” Lawal quoted the former president as saying.

Lawal said he reminded Buhari that even if Tinubu emerged as the APC candidate, Nigerians would still determine the outcome of the presidential election.

He also disclosed that Buhari expressed concern about whether Tinubu would treat members of their political camp fairly if elected president.

Lawal said he assured Buhari that such concerns could be addressed, after which the former president agreed to remain neutral.

Ahead of the APC presidential primary in June 2022, Buhari repeatedly urged delegates to choose the party’s candidate without publicly endorsing any of the aspirants.

Tinubu went on to defeat rivals, including former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, 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 inaugurated as president on May 29, 2023.