Senator Babafemi Ojudu, former special adviser on political matters to ex-Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, has revealed that ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, supported Osinbajo’s decision to run for president.

Ojudu was reacting to excerpts from Muhammadu Buhari: From Soldier to Statesman, a book written by Charles Omole, which suggested internal opposition to Osinbajo’s presidential ambition within the Buhari administration.

In a statement titled Setting the Record Straight on President Buhari and Professor Yemi Osinbajo’s Presidential Bid, Ojudu said the accounts circulating from the book were misleading.

Ojudu said he served as special adviser on political matters in the office of the vice-president between 2016 and 2022 and was directly involved in discussions on succession.

He said Buhari and Osinbajo discussed the vice-president’s presidential ambition on at least four occasions.

According to Ojudu, Buhari expressed “clear, unequivocal support” for Osinbajo’s ambition during each of the meetings.

“At no time — explicitly or implicitly — did President Buhari suggest that Professor Osinbajo should refrain from contesting,” Ojudu said.

“At no time did he indicate a preference that the Vice President should defer to, step aside for, or subordinate his ambition to any other aspirant,” he added.

Ojudu said Buhari initially advised Osinbajo to reflect carefully on the prospects of a presidential bid and assured him of support whatever decision he took.

He said Buhari later described Osinbajo as “by far the best person for the job”, citing continuity, stability and experience.

Ojudu said Buhari noted that Osinbajo had developed a deep understanding of governance, worked diligently, acted as president on several occasions and demonstrated leadership steadiness.

He said the fourth discussion took place shortly before Osinbajo’s supporters obtained the presidential nomination forms, with Buhari again expressing full backing.

Ojudu said Buhari’s support was also expressed publicly during a federal executive council meeting when the former president acknowledged Osinbajo’s nationwide consultations.

He added that Buhari encouraged Osinbajo to consult governors and National Assembly leaders before declaring his ambition.

Ojudu said Buhari commended Osinbajo after his declaration and requested to review his declaration speech.

He said at least three governors also met privately with Buhari to discuss Osinbajo’s candidacy and were told the vice-president was the best choice.

Ojudu described as “implausible and mischievous” suggestions that Osinbajo pursued a presidential bid without Buhari’s knowledge or approval.

He said Osinbajo lacked a personal political machinery and could not have realistically pursued the presidency without Buhari’s backing.

Ojudu added: Anyone who sets out to write about the Buhari presidency has a basic obligation to fairness and inquiry. That obligation includes giving those concerned the opportunity to state their own case. History is not written to settle scores. It is written to illuminate truth.”

Former Governor of Rivers State Rotimi Amaechi has ended speculation that he might team up as a running mate to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in the 2027 general elections.

Daily voice  reports that there has been speculation that the former governor would deputize Atiku Abubakar, who is likely to emerge as the flagbearer of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Speaking at a recent event in Abuja, Amaechi addressed the rumors head-on, framing his refusal as a matter of both personal stature and constitutional frustration.

Amaechi, a former Speaker of the House of Assembly, argued that his experience and political profile make a subordinate role untenable.

He said: “I will not be vice president to anybody. There are too many reasons why I won’t be vice president to anybody. The first reason is that I’m too presidential to be vice.”

Amaechi, who is also eyeing the presidential ticket of the ADC, the problem with the office of vice president is not ceremonial, it is structural.

The immediate past Minister of Transportation claimed that in Nigeria the office of the vice president is designed to be subordinate, often powerless, and depend entirely on the temperament of the president.

“We will quarrel, instead of that, I would rather be a minister than be a vice president”, Amaechi said.

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Wole Olanipekun, has urged the Olu badan of Ibadan land, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, to bring his wealth of experience as a seasoned administrator and foremost traditional ruler to bear in uniting traditional rulers in the Southwest region.

Advocating for a unified identity among the traditional rulers in the region, the legal luminary said traditional rulers can only advance the course of the region with unity of purpose.

Olanipekun made the plea during a courtsey visit to the Olubadan at his Oke-Aremo palace, Ibadan on Tuesday.

He urged the monarch to bring his wealth of experience as former governor, senator and entrepreneur to bear in the interest of the traditional institution in the region.

He described Oba Ladoja as a leading figure among the traditional rulers in Yorubaland, noting the history of the ancient town and the role that it played in wading off the invasion of the Fulani Jihadist.

He said, “It is of note how Ibadan warlords fought gallantly to defend the territorial integrity of the Yorubaland during Kiriji war, Ijaiye war, Jalumi to mention but few.