Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, has claimed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s personality and decision-making changed after he relocated to Abuja in preparation for the 2023 presidential election.
Speaking during an interview on Symfoni TV, Lawal alleged that some northern political associates isolated Tinubu and exposed him to individuals whose influence, he claimed, altered the president’s approach to politics and governance.
According to Lawal, Tinubu was known before becoming president as a compassionate and generous leader who always made efforts to assist friends and associates facing difficulties.
He said Tinubu was someone who listened to advice, empathised with people in distress and often went out of his way to offer support without expecting anything in return.
Lawal explained that he began noticing a significant change around 2022 when Tinubu reportedly spent more time in Abuja while pursuing his presidential ambition.
He alleged that during this period, some political figures from the North became closer to Tinubu, limiting his interactions with others and introducing him to people whose influence affected his decisions.
The former SGF claimed these associates convinced Tinubu that they were essential to securing northern political support for his presidential bid, adding that they also introduced him to individuals he described as religious extremists.
Lawal said he believed the president gradually became influenced by these relationships, resulting in what he described as a noticeable shift in Tinubu’s character.
He also raised concerns about the president’s health, suggesting that Tinubu should focus on his well-being after completing his current term in office.
According to Lawal, Nigerians are aware of the president’s overseas medical trips and should not ignore the importance of his health.
Despite his criticisms, Lawal praised Tinubu’s past generosity, saying he had personally witnessed the president provide substantial financial assistance to people facing hardship without seeking immediate personal benefit.
He further described Tinubu as someone with an unusual ability to identify individuals who could become valuable political allies in the future, often offering support long before receiving anything in return.
