Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal has claimed that former President Muhammadu Buhari was uneasy about Bola Tinubu’s bid ahead of Nigeria’s 2023 presidential election. According to Lawal, Buhari’s reservations were connected to religious convictions as well as ethical concerns.
The claim adds a fresh political angle to debate around the 2023 race and the internal calculations that may have shaped support for major contenders. Lawal’s account suggests that Buhari’s stance was more complicated than public appearances may have indicated at the time.
At the center of the discussion is whether Buhari fully backed Tinubu’s candidacy or privately struggled with aspects of it. Lawal’s version points to personal principles and moral considerations as key factors behind the former president’s alleged misgivings.
The remarks are likely to stir renewed interest in how top political figures viewed the 2023 contest behind the scenes. They also reopen questions about the relationship between Buhari and Tinubu during a pivotal moment in Nigerian politics.
