Why Buhari Blocked Osinbajo: ‘I Don’t Know Him From Anywhere,’ Former President Reveals

A newly released biography of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari has disclosed that he did not back Vice President Yemi Osinbajo’s 2023 presidential bid because Bola Tinubu was also in the race.

The revelation is detailed in From Soldier to Statesman: The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari, authored by Dr. Charles Omole. The book, launched on Monday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, chronicles Buhari’s life—from his military career to his political journey and final days.

Omole reported that Buhari was surprised by Osinbajo’s decision to contest against Tinubu, stating, “I don’t know Osinbajo from anywhere; I met him only through Tinubu.”

The biography highlights that Tinubu’s candidacy was widely viewed as a reward for his role as a political godfather and financier of the All Progressives Congress (APC). It also exposes an internal rift within the ruling party, noting an “anti-Tinubu consensus” among certain influential figures described as a cabal.

Ironically, Buhari’s strict adherence to rules reportedly worked in Tinubu’s favor, as it repeatedly blocked the cabal’s attempts to impose an alternative candidate.

Omole further revealed that Buhari was displeased that Osinbajo did not seek his counsel before declaring his ambition. “Sources also said that Buhari was not impressed that Osinbajo did not ‘consult’ him or seek his advice. Instead, Osinbajo simply ‘informed’ him. The president was quoted as wondering how his Vice President could go against his benefactor so openly,” the book states.

The biography also highlights former First Lady Aisha Buhari’s active support for Tinubu ahead of the 2023 elections, a stance that reportedly angered the cabal but which she maintained resolutely. Tinubu reportedly approached Aisha to help coordinate the women’s campaign alongside his wife, Senator Remi Tinubu, leading to the establishment of the APC Women’s Campaign Council.

On the broader APC contest, Omole emphasized that despite the anti-Tinubu sentiment among some elites, Buhari’s insistence on a transparent and fair process ultimately favored Tinubu. “There was an anti-Tinubu consensus among the cabal. Ironically, Buhari’s strict enforcement of the rules may have indirectly aided Tinubu, as Buhari’s fastidiousness repeatedly thwarted the cabal’s plans to impose another candidate,” the author wrote.