Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, has revealed that President Bola Tinubu was concerned about former President Muhammadu Buhari’s position on his presidential ambition ahead of the 2022 All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primary.
Lawal also alleged that Tinubu became depressed at the time over the uncertainty surrounding Buhari’s preferred successor.
He made the disclosure in an interview with Symfoni TV released on Saturday, July 25, 2026, while recounting events leading to the APC presidential convention in June 2022.
According to him, Buhari had reservations about handing power to Tinubu, partly because of religious and ethical concerns.
Lawal said Buhari was also concerned about whether Tinubu would treat members of his political camp fairly if he eventually became president.
He explained that, against the backdrop of the disagreement, he intervened and negotiated with Buhari to remain neutral during the APC presidential convention rather than openly backing any aspirant.
Lawal said Buhari eventually agreed to remain neutral, a development he suggested helped create a level playing field for the various contenders at the primary.
The former SGF also dismissed the perception that Tinubu’s emergence as the APC presidential candidate was solely the result of his personal political influence.
He said several individuals played significant roles in the political process that eventually produced the party’s candidate.
Lawal, a former ally of Tinubu and former SGF under Buhari, has in recent years become a prominent critic of the Tinubu administration and has been involved in opposition political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Tinubu eventually defeated other major contenders, including former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, former Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi and former Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi, to emerge as the APC’s presidential candidate at the June 2022 convention.
He subsequently won the 2023 presidential election and was inaugurated as Nigeria’s President on May 29, 2023.
