Former President Mohammadu Buhari was not supportive of Osinbajo’s presidential ambition in 2023 because Tinubu was in the contest, according to a new book.
The revelation is contained in “From Soldier to Statesman: The legacy of Muhammad Buhari”, written by Dr Charles Omole.
The book, launched at the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Monday, chronicles the life and times of the late former President, his military sojourn, and journey into politics.
According to Omole, Buhari found it strange that Osinbajo could contest against Tinubu in that manner.
Omole quoted Buhari as saying, “I don’t know Osinbajo from anywhere, I met him only through Tinubu”.
He wrote that Tinubu’s selection was perceived as a reward for his role as a political godfather and financier of the All Progressives Congress.
According to Omole, there was an anti-Tinubu consensus among the cabal, but “ironically, Buhari’s strict enforcement of the rules may have indirectly aided Tinubu, as Buhari’s fastidiousness repeatedly thwarted the cabal’s plans to impose another candidate.”
He wrote, “Sources also said that Buhari was not impressed that Osinbajo did not ‘consult’ him or seek his advice. Instead, Osinbajo simply ‘informed’ him.
“The president was quoted as having wondered how his Vice President could go against his benefactor in such an open way.”
Omole added that A’isha Buhari’s support for Tinubu ahead of the 2023 election attracted the ore of powerful cabal under Buhari, but he said the First Lady was unperturbed.
He added, “Aisha Buhari’s enthusiastic support for Tinubu’s candidacy challenged the powerful cabal. However, she remained unconcerned. Seeing her exuberance, Tinubu visited Aisha and asked for her assistance in organising the women’s campaign with his wife, Sen. Remi Tinubu. She agreed, and the APC Women’s Campaign Council was established.”
On Consensus Omole said, “There was an anti-Tinubu consensus among the cabal. Ironically, Buhari’s strict enforcement of the rules may have indirectly aided Tinubu, as Buhari’s fastidiousness repeatedly thwarted the cabal’s plans to impose another candidate. His insistence on a free and fair process indirectly benefited Tinubu.
“The cabal aimed to impose a candidate at the APC primary, a plan that was halted by Buhari himself when he opposed it upon being informed of such a plan.”
