Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, has claimed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was worried about former President Muhammadu Buhari’s stance ahead of the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primary in 2022.
Speaking in an interview with Symfoni TV, released on Saturday, July 25, 2026, Lawal alleged that Tinubu became anxious because of uncertainty over Buhari’s preferred successor before the party’s presidential convention.
According to the former SGF, Buhari had concerns about supporting Tinubu’s presidential ambition, citing both religious and ethical considerations.
Lawal also claimed that the former president was unsure whether Tinubu would treat members of his political camp fairly if he eventually emerged as Nigeria’s president.
“Tinubu was worried about Buhari’s position ahead of the APC presidential primary, and there was uncertainty over who the former president wanted to succeed him,” Lawal said during the interview.
He explained that he personally stepped in to mediate the disagreement and persuaded Buhari to remain neutral during the APC presidential convention instead of openly endorsing any aspirant.
According to Lawal, Buhari agreed to stay neutral, a move he believes helped create a level playing field for all contestants seeking the party’s presidential ticket.
The former SGF also rejected claims that Tinubu secured the APC ticket solely because of his political influence.
“Tinubu’s emergence was not just because of his personal political strength. Several people played important roles in making it happen,” Lawal said.
Tinubu eventually defeated other leading aspirants, including former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, and former Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi, to emerge as the APC’s presidential candidate at the June 2022 convention.
He went on to win the 2023 presidential election and was sworn in as Nigeria’s President on May 29, 2023.
Lawal, who served as SGF during Buhari’s administration and was once a close ally of Tinubu, has since become one of the administration’s outspoken critics and is now involved in opposition political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Source: Symfoni TV.
