A new biography of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, titled *From Soldier to Statesman: The Legacy of Muhammad Buhari*, sheds light on why he did not support his ex‑Vice President Yemi Osinbajo as his successor. According to the book, Buhari declined to back Osinbajo’s presidential bid in 2022 because he claimed he did not know him well. The biography, authored by Dr. Charles Omole, notes that Buhari first met Osinbajo through President Bola Tinubu. It quotes Buhari as saying, “I don’t know Osinbajo from anywhere; I met him only through Tinubu,” suggesting that their relationship was not as close as might have been expected given their time working together in government.
Osinbajo had served as Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice of Lagos State during Tinubu’s tenure as governor, and Tinubu is believed to have recommended Osinbajo as Buhari’s running mate in the 2015 presidential election. Buhari’s lack of support for Osinbajo’s presidential ambitions became evident during the 2022 All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primary, when Osinbajo contested against Tinubu. The biography indicates that Buhari was surprised by Osinbajo’s decision to run against Tinubu, highlighting a rift between the two former allies.
The book was launched at the presidential villa on Tuesday, offering insight into the inner workings of Nigerian politics and the relationships among key figures. The revelation has significant implications for understanding the dynamics of Nigerian politics, particularly the importance of personal connections and alliances in shaping political decisions. As Nigeria continues to navigate its complex political landscape, the legacy of former President Buhari and the roles of figures like Osinbajo and Tinubu will remain crucial in shaping the country’s future. The biography provides a unique perspective on these events, offering a glimpse into the personalities and relationships that have defined Nigerian politics in recent years.
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