Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has made a series of explosive claims about President Bola Tinubu's state of mind ahead of the 2022 All Progressives Congress presidential primary, alleging that the then-aspirant was afraid of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari and became depressed over persistent rumours that Buhari was backing another candidate. Lawal made the revelations during an interview with Symfoni TV released on Saturday, July 25, 2026, while recounting events leading up to the APC presidential convention in June 2022.
According to Lawal, following Buhari's recovery from illness, a vacuum was created around the presidency which some individuals exploited by falsely claiming they had the former president's endorsement on behalf of various presidential aspirants. He alleged that these individuals demanded huge sums of money from candidates, claiming they could influence Buhari through people close to him. Lawal said Tinubu was affected by the rumours and would sometimes become depressed after being told Buhari had endorsed another contender. "They would try that with Asiwaju, and Asiwaju probably will go into depression," Lawal said.
Lawal claimed he repeatedly assured Tinubu that the claims were false and encouraged him to verify the information directly with Buhari. However, he alleged that Tinubu was reluctant to approach the former president because he was afraid of him and did not want to confront him over such issues. "He doesn't like to go to see Buhari for whatever reason. He was afraid of Buhari, so he doesn't like to force Buhari on such matters," Lawal said.
The former SGF added that former Osun State Governor and APC chieftain, Chief Bisi Akande, who enjoyed Buhari's trust and respect, often intervened by speaking with the late former president and relaying his position to Tinubu. Lawal said Akande's feedback usually confirmed the assurances he had earlier given Tinubu, helping to dispel the rumours circulating during the party's presidential nomination process. "Whatever he tells you, it's Bisi Akande whom Buhari respected a lot and trusts. It was Bisi Akande whom we will convince, and he will go in and talk and come back and usually reinforce what I had just told him," Lawal said.
Lawal also revealed that Buhari had reservations about handing power to Tinubu, partly because of religious and ethical concerns. He said Buhari was also concerned about whether Tinubu would treat members of his political camp fairly if he eventually became president. Lawal explained that, against the backdrop of the disagreement, he negotiated with Buhari to remain neutral during the APC presidential convention rather than openly backing any aspirant. Lawal said Buhari initially rejected the proposal, insisting that if he allowed Lawal to manage the process, Tinubu would emerge as the party's candidate. "Buhari said, no, you started with me since 2002. So I know how you work. I know your methodologies. That man, if I leave him to you, he'll get the ticket," Lawal recounted.
Lawal said he responded that even if Tinubu secured the APC ticket, Nigerians would still decide the outcome of the presidential election. He added that after further discussion, Buhari agreed to the deal. "He said, 'Okay, deal,'" Lawal said. Lawal also dismissed the perception that Tinubu's emergence as the APC presidential candidate was solely the result of his personal political influence, saying several individuals played significant roles in the political process that eventually produced the party's candidate.
Tinubu eventually defeated other major contenders, including former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, former Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi and former Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi, to emerge as the APC's presidential candidate at the June 2022 convention. He subsequently won the 2023 presidential election and was inaugurated as Nigeria's President on May 29, 2023. Lawal, a former ally of Tinubu and former SGF under Buhari, has in recent years become a prominent critic of the Tinubu administration and has been involved in opposition political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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