Revelations from the biography of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari have shed light on why he did not back his ex-Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, during the 2022 presidential election.
The book, “From Soldier to Statesman: The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari”, authored by Dr Charles Omole, quotes Buhari explaining that he had limited personal knowledge of Osinbajo prior to his tenure as Vice President.
Buhari reportedly only became acquainted with Osinbajo through President Bola Tinubu, leading to his surprise when Osinbajo chose to contest against Tinubu in the 2022 All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primaries.
“I don’t know Osinbajo from anywhere; I met him only through Tinubu,” Buhari is cited as saying in the biography, launched at the Presidential Villa on Tuesday.
Osinbajo’s political trajectory is closely linked to Tinubu, having served as Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice in Lagos State during Tinubu’s governorship. Analysts suggest this mentorship played a pivotal role in shaping Osinbajo’s political career.
During the lead-up to Buhari’s 2015 presidential election, it was reportedly Tinubu who recommended Osinbajo as Buhari’s running mate, a choice that propelled him to national prominence.
The biography underscores the intricate political dynamics within the APC and highlights Buhari’s perspective on loyalty and political alignment, offering new insight into Nigeria’s recent electoral history.
