Babachir Lawal Reveals What Led To His Bitter Fallout With Buhari

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir David Lawal, has opened up on his relationship with the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, insisting that their fallout was not the result of any personal disagreement.

Speaking during an interview with Arise News, Lawal reflected on his time in Buhari’s administration and the events surrounding his removal from office. He said that although Buhari allowed him to leave government, he felt abandoned by the former president during the difficult period that followed.

According to Bush Radio Academy, Lawal said his relationship with Buhari did not collapse because of a personal dispute, but rather because he believed the former president failed to support him after he was removed as SGF.

The former SGF described the experience as a situation in which Buhari “threw me under the bus,” leaving him to face the consequences that followed his exit from office.

Lawal said, “Buhari and I did not have a personal disagreement. Buhari allowed me to leave government, but he did not stand by me during the difficult period. He threw me under the bus.”

He further stressed that his removal should not be interpreted as the end of his personal relationship with Buhari, maintaining that there was no direct disagreement between the two men that led to the breakdown.

Lawal served as SGF under Buhari from 2015 until his suspension in April 2017 and subsequent removal from office in October of the same year. Buhari later appointed Boss Mustapha as his replacement.

Lawal has previously described the controversy surrounding his removal as politically motivated, while continuing to deny wrongdoing connected to the allegations that led to his suspension and eventual dismissal.