Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, has claimed that former President Muhammadu Buhari deliberately avoided publicly endorsing Bola Tinubu during the 2022 All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primary because of religious and ethical reservations.
Speaking during an interview released on Saturday, Lawal said Buhari initially had concerns about supporting Tinubu as his preferred successor but later agreed to remain neutral after several discussions.
According to Lawal, he advised the former president not to back any aspirant and instead allow party delegates to freely determine who would emerge as the APC presidential candidate.
He explained that Tinubu’s contributions to the growth and electoral success of the APC made it difficult for Buhari to openly oppose his presidential ambition.
Lawal stated that Tinubu had played a significant role in previous election campaigns by providing political support, resources, and experienced strategists that helped strengthen the party’s chances.
He further revealed that Buhari initially rejected the idea of remaining neutral, arguing that if Lawal managed the convention process, Tinubu would eventually secure the party’s ticket.
Lawal said he responded by telling Buhari that even if Tinubu emerged as the APC candidate, it would still be up to Nigerians to decide the outcome of the presidential election.
According to him, Buhari also expressed concerns about whether Tinubu would treat members of their political camp fairly if elected president.
Lawal claimed he assured the former president that those concerns could be addressed, after which Buhari agreed not to interfere in the selection process.
Ahead of the APC presidential primary in June 2022, Buhari repeatedly urged party delegates to choose the candidate they believed was best suited to lead the party but refrained from publicly endorsing any of the aspirants.
Tinubu eventually won the APC presidential ticket after defeating several prominent contenders, including former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, Senate President Ahmad Lawan, and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.
He later secured victory in the 2023 presidential election and was inaugurated as Nigeria’s president on May 29, 2023.
