‘I Don’t Know Him’ — Buhari Reveals Why He Didn’t Support Osinbajo for President

Fresh details have emerged on why former President Muhammadu Buhari did not back the presidential ambition of his former Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo.

The revelation sheds light on events surrounding the 2022 presidential race within the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Buhari’s silence during the contest.

According to accounts contained in a newly released biography, Buhari declined to support Osinbajo because he had no personal relationship with him.

The former president reportedly said he did not know Osinbajo beyond an introduction made by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The disclosure is contained in the biography titled “From Soldier to Statesman: The Legacy of Muhammad Buhari”, written by Dr. Charles Omole. The book was recently presented at the Presidential Villa.

In the book, Buhari was quoted as saying, “I don’t know Osinbajo from anywhere, I met him only through Tinubu.” The statement explains Buhari’s decision to withhold support from his deputy’s presidential bid.

Buhari was also said to be taken aback by Osinbajo’s decision to contest against Tinubu during the APC presidential primaries. Tinubu, a long-time political ally of Buhari, eventually emerged as the party’s candidate.

Osinbajo is widely regarded as one of Tinubu’s political protégés. He served as Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Lagos State when Tinubu was governor.

During preparations for the 2015 general election, Tinubu was believed to have played a key role in Osinbajo’s emergence as Buhari’s running mate. The partnership later produced an eight-year administration at the federal level.

Despite their years in government together, Buhari’s comments suggest that their relationship remained largely formal and politically arranged rather than personal.