Babachir Lawal: Why Buhari Held Back From Backing Tinubu in 2023

Babachir Lawal, a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, has revealed that late President Muhammadu Buhari held initial reservations about publicly endorsing Bola Tinubu's candidacy for the APC presidential nomination in 2023. According to Lawal's account during a recent television interview, Buhari's reluctance was grounded in personal convictions—specifically religious principles and ethical considerations—regarding Tinubu's suitability as a potential successor.

Following discussions with Lawal, the late president decided to adopt a neutral stance, allowing party delegates to determine their own preference at the convention rather than campaigning against or for Tinubu. Lawal's disclosure illuminates the internal party mechanics that influenced the 2023 APC primary contest.

The former SGF emphasized that Buhari's hesitation reflected deeply held personal beliefs rather than political strategy, though ultimately he chose neither to back nor obstruct Tinubu's ambitions. This characterization differs from how observers understood Buhari's position during the delegate selection period, when his stance seemed unclear to the public.

During those same television appearances, Lawal also recounted how Tinubu had channeled substantial financial resources into Buhari's 2015 presidential campaign. According to Lawal, Tinubu directly covered major expenses of that election bid, particularly the countrywide campaign work of then-vice-presidential hopeful Yemi Osinbajo.

Lawal further noted that Tinubu engaged international political consultants, spending upwards of two billion naira to retain advisory expertise from consultants associated with former U.S. President Barack Obama's political organization.

Lawal additionally shared his forecast that Tinubu would face defeat in his attempt to secure reelection in 2027, expressing instead his backing for an opposition alliance pairing Peter Obi with Rabiu Kwankwaso. Such pronouncements reflect deepening divisions in Nigeria's political circles over how succession should unfold and the influence wielded by prominent party operatives in determining electoral results.