Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has disclosed that late former President Muhammadu Buhari declined to openly support President Bola Tinubu during the All Progressives Congress presidential primary because of religious and ethical reservations.
Lawal made the revelation in an interview with Symfoni TV released on Saturday, saying Buhari initially had doubts about Tinubu succeeding him but later agreed to remain neutral after a series of discussions.
According to him, Tinubu's significant contributions to the growth and electoral victories of the APC made it difficult for Buhari to oppose his presidential ambition outright.
Lawal explained that he persuaded Buhari to allow delegates at the party's national convention to decide the presidential candidate without interference from the Presidency.
"I told him that based on his religion, ethics and upbringing, he might not want to hand over to Tinubu, but considering Tinubu's role in helping the party reach that stage, the best option was to stay neutral and allow party members decide," he said.
He recalled that Buhari initially rejected the proposal, expressing fears that Tinubu would eventually emerge as the party's flag bearer if the process was left in his hands.
"Buhari told me that if he allowed me to manage the process, Tinubu would certainly get the ticket because he knew how I worked. I responded that even if Tinubu secured the ticket, Nigerians would still determine the outcome of the presidential election," Lawal stated.
The former SGF added that Buhari also raised concerns about whether a Tinubu administration would be fair to members of his political camp.
"He asked whether Tinubu would be fair to our people if elected. I assured him that I would be there to ensure things were properly managed, and he eventually agreed to remain neutral," Lawal said.
Ahead of the APC presidential primary in June 2022, Buhari repeatedly urged party delegates to elect a candidate capable of advancing the party's ideals without publicly endorsing any of the aspirants.
Tinubu eventually defeated former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, former Senate President Ahmad Lawan and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello to clinch the APC presidential ticket before winning the 2023 presidential election.
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