Lawyer, author, and political commentator Charles Omole has claimed that powerful insiders within the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari routinely influenced what the late leader read by deliberately placing favourable or strategic stories in national newspapers. According to Omole, these actions were aimed at shaping Buhari’s perceptions and decisions through carefully curated media narratives.
Omole made the revelation on Thursday during an interview on Channels Television while discussing his newly released biography, From Soldier to Statesman: The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari. The book examines key moments and dynamics of Buhari’s time as Nigeria’s civilian president between 2015 and 2023, offering behind-the-scenes insights into governance during that period.
Speaking during the interview, Omole argued that the presence of a “cabal” is not unique to the Buhari administration, noting that every Nigerian president since the return to democratic rule in 1999 has operated alongside a close-knit group of influential advisers and power brokers. He explained that such inner circles are not inherently negative and can, in fact, strengthen governance when their goals align with those of the president.
According to Omole, Buhari’s government was characterised by a single, dominant cabal that exerted broad influence across the administration. He described this group as an “overarching” force that often helped drive policy direction but also controlled access to information reaching the president. One example he cited, though not fully detailed in the book due to its sensitive nature, was the alleged practice of planting stories in newspapers specifically for Buhari’s consumption, capitalising on his long-standing habit of closely reading the press.
The author contrasted this structure with that of the current administration under President Bola Tinubu, which he described as far more complex. Omole claimed that Tinubu’s government is shaped by multiple power blocs rather than a single dominant group. He identified at least five distinct cabals, including those associated with Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, Seyi Tinubu, First Lady Remi Tinubu, the principal private secretary, and a group of senior loyalists led by President Tinubu himself.
Omole reiterated that cabals can serve as “force multipliers” when they are united by a shared vision and commitment to the president’s agenda, helping to accelerate policy implementation and governance outcomes. However, he warned that problems arise when these groups pursue personal or conflicting interests, potentially undermining cohesion and effectiveness.
He concluded that while Buhari’s administration faced challenges associated with having one powerful inner circle, the Tinubu government’s multiple cabals come with their own advantages and drawbacks. The presence of several influential groups, Omole noted, may encourage balance and debate but could also complicate decision-making if not properly managed.
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