A newly released biography of Nigeria’s late former President, Muhammadu Buhari, has offered fresh insights into the political calculations that shaped the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2023 presidential election. The book reveals that Buhari withheld support for the presidential ambition of his former Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, largely because Bola Ahmed Tinubu was also seeking the party’s ticket.
The disclosure is contained in From Soldier to Statesman: The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari, written by Dr. Charles Omole and unveiled on Monday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The biography traces Buhari’s life story, spanning his military service, years in public office, political philosophy, and reflections on the final phase of his leadership.
According to the author, Buhari was taken aback by Osinbajo’s decision to enter the presidential race in direct competition with Tinubu. Omole quoted the former president as expressing surprise, noting that his relationship with Osinbajo was largely facilitated by Tinubu. Buhari was quoted as saying that he only came to know Osinbajo through Tinubu, underscoring the depth of the political bond between Tinubu and his former deputy.
The book further explains that Tinubu’s eventual emergence as the APC’s presidential candidate was widely regarded within the party as recognition of his long-standing role as a political strategist, party financier, and influential power broker. His contribution to the formation and consolidation of the APC, Omole wrote, positioned him as a natural contender for the ticket.
Omole also details internal divisions within the ruling party at the time, highlighting the existence of what he described as an “anti-Tinubu consensus” among certain influential figures, referred to as a cabal. These actors allegedly sought to prevent Tinubu from clinching the party’s nomination by orchestrating the emergence of an alternative candidate.
Ironically, the biography notes that Buhari’s reputation for strict adherence to rules and procedures ultimately worked in Tinubu’s favour. By insisting on due process and refusing to endorse any attempt to impose a candidate, Buhari repeatedly blocked the cabal’s strategies. The author writes that when Buhari was briefed about plans to manipulate the APC primaries, he firmly opposed such moves, insisting on a transparent contest.
The book also reveals that Buhari was displeased with the manner in which Osinbajo declared his presidential ambition. Rather than consulting the president or seeking his counsel, Osinbajo reportedly only informed him of his decision. Buhari was said to have privately questioned how his vice president could openly challenge Tinubu, whom he regarded as Osinbajo’s political benefactor.
In addition, the biography highlights the active role played by former First Lady, Aisha Buhari, in supporting Tinubu’s candidacy. Her open endorsement reportedly unsettled members of the powerful cabal, yet she remained resolute. Omole recounts that Tinubu later visited Aisha Buhari to seek her support in mobilising women for his campaign alongside his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu. She agreed, leading to the formation of the APC Women’s Campaign Council.
On the broader struggle for control within the APC, Omole reiterates that while opposition to Tinubu existed among some party elites, Buhari’s insistence on fairness and internal democracy ultimately shaped the outcome of the primaries. The former president’s refusal to bend party rules, the author concludes, ensured that no candidate was imposed, thereby clearing the path for Tinubu’s emergence as the party’s flagbearer.
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