Politics
2023: Not Tinubu; Buhari’s Aide Reveals Who Ex-President Backed
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.”
The chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Pantami Ward, Gombe Local Government Area of Gombe State, Bala Salihu Ngalda, has resigned from his position and left the ruling party.
His resignation comes at a time of active political manoeuvring across Gombe State as politicians and party structures begin repositioning ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a resignation letter dated July 27, 2026, and addressed to the ward secretary, Ngalda said his decision takes immediate effect following consultations with his family.
“I write to formally tender my resignation as Ward Chairman and as a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Pantami Ward, with immediate effect,” he said.
He explained that he made the decision after careful consideration and discussions with his family. However, he did not disclose his next political move or indicate whether he would join another party.
Ngalda thanked the APC leadership at the ward, local government, state and national levels for giving him the opportunity to serve. He also expressed appreciation to the Gombe State Government for its support during his tenure.
“I wish to use this opportunity to express my sincere appreciation to the party at the Local Government, State and National levels for the opportunity given to me to serve in this capacity. I am equally grateful to the Gombe State Government for the support and cooperation extended throughout my tenure,” he said.
“Although I am stepping away from my position and membership, I will continue to hold the party and its ideals in high regard, and I wish it continued growth and success,” he added.
The Court of Appeal in Abuja has voided and set aside the judgment of the Federal High Court which ordered the proscription of the African Democratic Congress ADC, Accord Party and three others.
The appellate court in a judgment on Tuesday held that the Forum of Former Legislators, which filed the deregistration suit have no locus standi to have instituted the matter.
The Federal High Court judgment delivered by Justice Peter Odo Lifu was consequently voided, set aside and thrown out.
In the unambiguous judgment delivered by the Court of Appeal panel led by Justice Abba Bello, a penalty of N1 million was awarded against the former legislators that filed the case.
More details later…
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has been appointed as one of the co-chairmen of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Campaign Council ahead of the Osun State governorship election scheduled for August 15, 2026.
The ruling party announced that the campaign council will be inaugurated in Abuja on Tuesday as part of preparations for the off-cycle governorship election.
Imo State Governor and Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, Hope Uzodimma, will chair the council, while Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni, Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas will serve as co-chairmen.
The APC also appointed Ibrahim Kabir Masari, Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Political and Other Matters, as deputy chairman of the council, while Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin will serve as secretary.
According to the party, specialised committees have also been created to oversee campaign planning, finance, grassroots mobilisation, logistics, media, security, youth and women’s mobilisation, persons with disabilities, protocol, monitoring, and secretariat duties as campaigns gather pace ahead of the election.Government
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