WATCH THE VIDEO HERE FORMER Special Adviser on Political Matters to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, Babafemi Ojudu, shared how he and other allies persuaded President Bola Tinubu to decline an offer to serve as Minister of Finance under the late President Umaru Yar’Adua. During a discussion on State Affairs, a podcast by Edmund Obilo, Ojudu revealed that accepting the position would have been politically risky for Tinubu, who was then leading the Action Congress. He recounted, “Tinubu called me one day and said, ‘Congratulations to me.’ I asked, ‘For what?’ He said former President Yar’Adua had invited him to join his unity government as Minister of Finance.” Ojudu advised against it, citing the tragic fate of Bola Ige, a former Attorney-General, and Minister of Justice, who was assassinated. “I warned Tinubu, saying, ‘You are in Action Congress. History shows the risks—look at Bola Ige’s case. Accepting this role could endanger your political career.’” Rauf Aregbesola, another Tinubu ally, supported Ojudu’s stance, emphasizing the political risks. Ojudu added, “A businessman present argued that the role would benefit everyone, but we insisted on Tinubu’s political survival. Our vision for him extended beyond being a minister in Yar’Adua’s government.” Ojudu also addressed claims of betrayal during the 2023 presidential election when he supported Yemi Osinbajo instead of Tinubu for the APC ticket. He explained, “Our visions differed, but it wasn’t personal. Loyalty to friendship doesn’t outweigh sacrifice for the country.”
How we convinced Tinubu to reject Yar’Adua’s ministerial offer – Ex-presidential aide
