A new biography of former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, titled *From Soldier to Statesman: The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari* and written by Dr. Charles Omole, was launched at the Presidential Villa. The book sheds light on the 2022 All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primaries and reveals an alleged attempt by Buhari’s aides to influence the outcome.
According to the biography, on the eve of the APC primaries some of Buhari’s aides forged presidential directives intended to install former Senate President Ahmad Lawan as the party’s consensus candidate. The counterfeit orders were allegedly sent to top security officials—including the Inspector‑General of Police, the Director‑General of the Department of State Services, and the Director‑General of the National Intelligence Agency—directing them to deploy security forces to ensure Lawan’s emergence.
Former Inspector‑General of Police Usman Alkali Baba reportedly rejected the orders and sought direct confirmation from Buhari, who denied issuing any such instructions. The late president is quoted as saying he had no preferred candidate and that Nigerians should be free to choose their leader. Sources close to the events, cited in the book, confirm that Buhari made it clear he had not anointed anyone and that security agencies should not interfere in the process.
The biography also notes that Buhari was amused when celebrations erupted in Lawan’s neighbourhood over the supposed endorsement, reiterating that he had not endorsed any candidate. This revelation underscores the importance of democratic processes and the independence of Nigeria’s security agencies.
Overall, the book offers a unique perspective on the inner workings of the 2022 APC presidential primaries, highlighting attempts to manipulate the process and the roles of key figures, including former President Buhari and his aides. It is expected to spark further discussion and analysis of Nigeria’s political landscape and democratic institutions.
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