Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has explained the reason he chose not to back the presidential ambition of his former Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, during the buildup to the 2023 general elections. According to revelations contained in a recently published biography, Buhari withheld his support because he did not have a personal relationship or close familiarity with Osinbajo throughout their years in government. The disclosure is documented in From Soldier to Statesman: The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari, a biography written by Dr. Charles Omole. In the book, Buhari is quoted as stating that he never truly knew Osinbajo on a personal level, despite serving together for two terms in office. Buhari reportedly explained that his first real connection to Osinbajo came through Nigeria’s current President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Osinbajo was introduced to him by Tinubu before the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) government in 2015. This distance, according to the former president’s account, played a major role in his decision not to publicly endorse Osinbajo when the former Vice President declared his intention to contest for the highest office in the country. The revelation has sparked renewed public debate about political loyalty, succession planning, and internal party dynamics within the APC. Many Nigerians had expected Buhari to rally behind his deputy, considering their long years of joint leadership. However, the former president’s explanation suggests that political proximity does not always translate into personal trust or endorsement. Osinbajo eventually lost the APC presidential primary, while Bola Tinubu emerged as the party’s flag bearer and later won the presidential election. This account adds a new layer to Nigeria’s political history, shedding light on behind-the-scenes relationships that influenced major decisions during a critical transition period.
