Buhari supported Osinbajo’s presidential ambition – Former presidential aide reveals

Senator Babafemi Ojudu, former special adviser on political matters to ex-Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, has revealed that ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, supported Osinbajo’s decision to run for president.

Ojudu was reacting to excerpts from Muhammadu Buhari: From Soldier to Statesman, a book written by Charles Omole, which suggested internal opposition to Osinbajo’s presidential ambition within the Buhari administration.

In a statement titled Setting the Record Straight on President Buhari and Professor Yemi Osinbajo’s Presidential Bid, Ojudu said the accounts circulating from the book were misleading.

Ojudu said he served as special adviser on political matters in the office of the vice-president between 2016 and 2022 and was directly involved in discussions on succession.

He said Buhari and Osinbajo discussed the vice-president’s presidential ambition on at least four occasions.

According to Ojudu, Buhari expressed “clear, unequivocal support” for Osinbajo’s ambition during each of the meetings.

“At no time — explicitly or implicitly — did President Buhari suggest that Professor Osinbajo should refrain from contesting,” Ojudu said.

“At no time did he indicate a preference that the Vice President should defer to, step aside for, or subordinate his ambition to any other aspirant,” he added.

Ojudu said Buhari initially advised Osinbajo to reflect carefully on the prospects of a presidential bid and assured him of support whatever decision he took.

He said Buhari later described Osinbajo as “by far the best person for the job”, citing continuity, stability and experience.

Ojudu said Buhari noted that Osinbajo had developed a deep understanding of governance, worked diligently, acted as president on several occasions and demonstrated leadership steadiness.

He said the fourth discussion took place shortly before Osinbajo’s supporters obtained the presidential nomination forms, with Buhari again expressing full backing.

Ojudu said Buhari’s support was also expressed publicly during a federal executive council meeting when the former president acknowledged Osinbajo’s nationwide consultations.

He added that Buhari encouraged Osinbajo to consult governors and National Assembly leaders before declaring his ambition.

Ojudu said Buhari commended Osinbajo after his declaration and requested to review his declaration speech.

He said at least three governors also met privately with Buhari to discuss Osinbajo’s candidacy and were told the vice-president was the best choice.

Ojudu described as “implausible and mischievous” suggestions that Osinbajo pursued a presidential bid without Buhari’s knowledge or approval.

He said Osinbajo lacked a personal political machinery and could not have realistically pursued the presidency without Buhari’s backing.

Ojudu added: Anyone who sets out to write about the Buhari presidency has a basic obligation to fairness and inquiry. That obligation includes giving those concerned the opportunity to state their own case. History is not written to settle scores. It is written to illuminate truth.”