Tinubu: Why Buhari Disowned Osinbajo After Declaring Presidential Ambition

New insights have surfaced regarding former President Muhammadu Buhari’s decision not to support the presidential campaign of his former Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo.

These insights highlight key events leading up to the 2022 presidential race within the All Progressives Congress (APC), as well as Buhari’s subsequent silence during the election period.

According to a recently published biography, Buhari chose not to endorse Osinbajo due to a lack of a personal relationship with him.

The former president reportedly stated that his familiarity with Osinbajo was limited to a brief introduction made by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This revelation adds depth to the understanding of Buhari’s stance during the presidential contest.

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.