Buhari Like No Other: Gambari Reveals How His ‘Creative Stubbornness’ Shaped Decisions

Ibrahim Gambari, former Chief of Staff to the late ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, has dismissed claims that a cabal controlled power during Buhari’s administration.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Gambari insisted that every president has a cabal—groups of close aides who share experiences and a vision for the future.

He noted that members of Buhari’s inner circle were aware of their limits and never overstepped them. Gambari emphasized that Buhari’s personal leadership style ultimately constrained the influence of those around him.

He explained, “Every president has a cabal of some sort—you might call them the inner circle or inner caucus. These are people close to the president who share experiences, have a perception of the future, and are trusted to speak frankly.

“Unfortunately, some cabals aim to tell the president what he wants to hear rather than what he needs to know. They exist in every administration; some wield more influence, and some are more principled than others.

“What I observed in Buhari’s government is that the so-called cabal had clear boundaries—they knew their limitations and never exceeded them.

“Everyone also recognized that Buhari possessed what I call ‘creative stubbornness,’ somewhat akin to the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo—a firm belief in his principles and the direction in which he wanted to lead.”