Laolu Akande says Buhari’s cabal worked against Tinubu, sidelined him politically and blocked several of his preferred ministerial nominees
Former Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo’s media aide, Laolu Akande, has alleged that members of the “cabal” in former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration worked against Bola Tinubu’s political interests before his emergence as the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate in 2022.
Akande, who hosts Inside Sources, made the allegation in an interview with Symfoni TV published on Friday while reflecting on the political developments during Buhari’s eight-year presidency.
According to him, influential figures within the administration supported former Senate President Ahmad Lawan as Buhari’s preferred successor and sought to secure the APC presidential ticket for him.
Akande said the group wanted Buhari to endorse Lawan as the party’s consensus candidate ahead of the 2022 presidential primary.
“The cabal had a different plan. They wanted the president [Buhari] to support Ahmad Lawan. That is the fact,” he said.
In June 2022, then APC National Chairman Abdullahi Adamu announced Lawan as the party’s consensus presidential candidate, a move that sparked opposition from party members who insisted on a competitive primary.
The APC subsequently held its presidential primary, where Tinubu defeated Lawan, Osinbajo, former Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi and other aspirants to secure the party’s ticket.
Akande further alleged that Tinubu was marginalised during Buhari’s administration despite his role in the formation and electoral victories of the APC.
“What did they not do against President Tinubu? Tell me. Between 2015 and 2023? The man was marginalised. I saw it with my own eyes,” he said.
The former presidential aide said he personally witnessed instances where Tinubu was excluded from important meetings, adding that the former Lagos governor remained patient as he pursued his ambition to become president.
He also cited the naira redesign policy introduced by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) shortly before the 2023 general election, saying the policy created additional difficulties for Tinubu’s campaign.
Despite the challenges, Akande said Tinubu remained determined and organised as he continued his bid for the presidency.
He also alleged that the Buhari administration rejected some individuals Tinubu wanted appointed as ministers, including Dele Alake and Wale Edun.
According to Akande, the decision was intended to demonstrate that Tinubu, despite his political influence, did not have the power to determine who would serve in the government.
Akande’s remarks highlight his account of the political tensions surrounding Tinubu during Buhari’s administration and the challenges he allegedly faced before securing the APC presidential ticket.