A newly published book by Dr. Charles Omole, launched on Monday, December 15, revealed that former president Muhammadu Buhari did not support vice president Yemi Osinbajo’s presidential bid in the build-up to the 2023 election because president Bola Tinubu was also in the race.
The book, “From soldier to statesman: The legacy of Muhammadu Buhari,” launched at the presidential villa in Abuja, chronicles Buhari’s life, military career, and transition into politics.
Omole writes that Buhari was uncomfortable with Osinbajo’s decision to contest against Tinubu, whom he viewed as Osinbajo’s political benefactor.
He quoted Buhari as saying, “I don’t know Osinbajo from anywhere; I met him only through Tinubu.”
According to the author, Tinubu’s emergence as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate was widely seen as recognition for his role as a political godfather and key financier of the party.
The book also reveals that although a powerful cabal within the presidency worked against Tinubu’s ambition, Buhari’s strict adherence to party rules ultimately frustrated efforts to impose an alternative candidate.
“There was an anti-Tinubu consensus among the cabal,” Omole wrote, adding that Buhari’s insistence on due process and a free primary election inadvertently worked in Tinubu’s favour by blocking attempts to sideline him.
Omole further noted that Buhari was displeased that Osinbajo did not formally consult him before declaring his ambition, but merely informed him.
“The president was said to have wondered how his vice president could openly contest against his benefactor,” the author stated.
The book also highlights the role of former first lady, Aisha Buhari, whose open support for Tinubu reportedly angered members of the cabal.
Omole said she remained unfazed by the backlash.
According to the author, Tinubu later met with Aisha Buhari and sought her support in mobilising women for his campaign alongside his wife, senator Remi Tinubu.
This collaboration led to the formation of the APC women’s campaign council.
Reiterating the internal party dynamics, Omole wrote that the cabal’s plan to impose a consensus candidate at the APC primary was ultimately blocked by Buhari himself after he was briefed on the move, reinforcing his commitment to a transparent process.
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