In a revealing statement, former Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, Babafemi Ojudu, claimed that former President Muhammadu Buhari never supported the presidential aspirations of his then Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo.
Ojudu further alleged that Buhari did not endorse the current President, Bola Tinubu, despite their friendship and political alliance; instead, Tinubu reportedly “outmaneuvered him in multiple ways.”
Having served in the office of former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Ojudu expressed his belief that Osinbajo would have performed significantly better than the current president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He remarked, “I knew Osinbajo was destined to lose the primary; I could see it coming.
“Given the system we operate in, I consistently pointed out in our meetings that all our efforts—travelling, persuading people, and addressing delegates—accounted for only 40 per cent.
“The remaining 60 per cent was in Buhari’s hands. Unless he rallied his supporters, governors, and aides, we were going nowhere.
“I often referred to Buhari as a one-man majority, and he never mobilised his team to support Osinbajo. I truly believe Tinubu outsmarted him in numerous ways.”
Ojudu further compared the failure to elect Professor Yemi Osinbajo in the last presidential election to a missed opportunity at the leadership of Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
“I supported Osinbajo’s presidential bid. I was convinced of his capability after observing him closely,” Ojudu stated.
“His work ethic, philosophy, extensive knowledge, and patriotic spirit convinced me he was the best candidate at that moment to govern Nigeria. For me, it feels like losing Awolowo a second time, as he was at Awolowo’s level in terms of capability, dedication, and commitment.”
During the APC primary leading up to the 2023 elections, Bola Tinubu secured 1,271 votes to win the party’s presidential ticket, while former Transport Minister Rotimi Amaechi received 316 votes. Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo finished third with 235 votes, and Senate President Ahmed Lawan garnered 152 votes.
