Buhari Offered To Support Osinbajo Four Times — Laolu Akande Disputes Babachir Lawal’s Claims

Laolu Akande, former spokesperson to ex-Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, has disputed claims by former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, that late former President Muhammadu Buhari did not fully support Osinbajo’s ambition to succeed him in the 2023 presidential election.

Akande, in a lengthy statement, described Lawal’s allegations as inaccurate and insisted that Buhari had personally expressed support for Osinbajo’s presidential ambition on several occasions.

According to Bush Radio Academy, Akande said he was directly involved in the activities of the Office of the Vice President and had firsthand knowledge of several decisions discussed by Lawal.

Lawal had reportedly made the claims during an interview with Symfoni TV, suggesting that Buhari’s personal values, his relationship with President Bola Tinubu and concerns about some of Osinbajo’s decisions while serving as acting president may have influenced his position on the former vice president’s ambition.

However, Akande rejected that account, maintaining that Buhari had encouraged Osinbajo’s presidential aspiration.

He said the former president offered to support Osinbajo on at least four separate occasions, quoting Buhari as asking, “If I don’t support you, who will I support?”

Akande also recalled that during the 2022 All Progressives Congress presidential primary campaign, Buhari praised Osinbajo at a Federal Executive Council meeting for conducting what he described as a dignified and issue-based campaign across the country.

According to Akande, the incident was witnessed by members of the council and contradicted the claim that Buhari considered Osinbajo’s ambition inappropriate.

The former presidential aide also dismissed Lawal’s allegation that Osinbajo submitted a memo containing more than 20 names for appointments in his office, which was allegedly delayed by the president’s Chief of Staff before being forwarded to Buhari through the SGF.

Akande insisted that no such memo existed, explaining that Osinbajo had direct access to Buhari and routinely submitted appointment memos to the president for approval.

He said approved memos were subsequently passed through the appropriate channels for implementation, while the SGF’s role was largely limited to issuing appointment letters.

Akande further disputed Lawal’s claim that the alleged memo was delayed for three months, saying he resumed work in the Office of the Vice President in June 2015 alongside several colleagues whose appointments were being discussed.

He explained that different batches of appointment memos were submitted at various times as the office was being established and government policies evolved.

Akande also rejected allegations that Osinbajo favoured members of his church in making appointments, describing the former vice president’s team as nationally representative.

He cited the appointment of Ade Ipaye, a Muslim lawyer, as Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, as well as the presence of several Muslim officials and advisers, including Maryam Uwais and Ahmad Zakari.

According to Akande, the composition of the office reflected different regions, religious backgrounds and professional experiences, rather than the narrow religious considerations alleged by Lawal.

He maintained that claims of a church-based appointment system overlooked the diversity of the officials who served under Osinbajo.

The former spokesperson also challenged Lawal’s account of the appointment of Dr Okey Enelamah as a minister under Buhari’s administration.

Akande said Enelamah, who headed a major private equity firm at the time, was reportedly recommended by two individuals in the financial services industry. He added that Buhari’s late Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari, informed Osinbajo of the president’s intention to appoint Enelamah after the decision had been made.

Akande said he had personally asked Osinbajo about the appointment when speculation emerged that the former vice president had nominated Enelamah, adding that Osinbajo told him the decision originated from Buhari.

On appointments to government boards during Osinbajo’s periods as acting president, Akande said the former vice president acted within his constitutional responsibilities when reviewing nominees before forwarding the lists for confirmation.

He explained that any changes were based on legal and administrative requirements, including federal character considerations, age, qualifications and professional standards.

Akande added that Buhari was briefed on the changes upon his return and, according to him, raised no objections.

The former spokesperson concluded by suggesting that Lawal’s allegations could be connected to lingering grievances over his removal as Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

He also referred to previous investigations involving Lawal, alleging that reports by the Senate and the Attorney-General had raised concerns about him before Osinbajo was asked to lead an investigation into the matter.

Akande cautioned Lawal against allowing personal grievances to influence his public statements about the former vice president, insisting that disagreements should not justify the spread of false allegations.

The claims and counterclaims reflect continuing disagreements among former officials of the Buhari administration over the events surrounding the 2023 presidential race and decisions taken during their time in government.