A former Special Adviser on Political Matters to ex-Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Babafemi Ojudu, has refuted claims in a newly released biography that late President Muhammadu Buhari opposed Osinbajo’s presidential ambition in 2023.
Ojudu described the claims as “mischievous” and based on “hearsay,” insisting that Buhari expressed clear and repeated support for Osinbajo’s aspiration.
The controversy follows excerpts from Muhammadu Buhari: From Soldier to Statesman, authored by Dr Charles Omole and unveiled on Monday.
In the book, Omole reportedly claims that Buhari withheld support from Osinbajo largely because President Bola Tinubu was also contesting the presidency, viewing Tinubu as Osinbajo’s political benefactor.
Omole quoted sources close to Buhari as saying the former president remarked, “I don’t know Osinbajo from anywhere; I met him only through Tinubu,” and found it “strange” that Osinbajo would contest against him.
The biography also alleged that Buhari was displeased with Osinbajo for merely informing him of his ambition rather than seeking his counsel.
The book further claimed that a “powerful cabal” within the Buhari administration plotted against Tinubu but was frustrated by Buhari’s insistence on due process.
Reacting in a statement posted on his official Facebook page on Thursday, titled Setting the Record Straight on President Buhari and Professor Yemi Osinbajo’s Presidential Bid, Ojudu said the book’s account did not reflect reality.
He stated that he was personally involved in high-level discussions between Buhari and Osinbajo from 2016 to 2022 and insisted that Buhari consistently supported the former vice president.
According to Ojudu, the issue of succession was discussed at least four times between Buhari and Osinbajo.
“At no time-explicitly or implicitly-did President Buhari suggest that Professor Osinbajo should refrain from contesting,” Ojudu wrote.
“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, including the eventual nominee of the party.”
He said Buhari advised Osinbajo to reflect carefully on his decision and assured him of support.
Ojudu claimed that by the third discussion, Buhari openly endorsed Osinbajo.
“By the third discussion, President Buhari went further. In his considered judgment, he stated plainly that Professor Osinbajo was by far the best person for the job,” he said.
He added that Buhari emphasised continuity and stability, noting that Osinbajo had developed a deep understanding of governance, worked loyally, acted as president on several occasions, and shown the steadiness required to lead the country.
Ojudu said Buhari reiterated that Osinbajo’s candidature was best for continuity and stability and assured him of support.
Ojudu disclosed that a fourth discussion occurred shortly before Osinbajo’s associates obtained the presidential nomination forms.
“Once again, President Buhari expressed his full support, leaving no room for ambiguity as to his position,” he said.
He added that Buhari’s backing was not limited to private conversations.
During a Federal Executive Council meeting in the primary season, Ojudu said Buhari publicly praised Osinbajo’s campaign efforts and advised him to consult governors and National Assembly leaders, advice he said Osinbajo followed.
Ojudu also claimed that at least three governors met Buhari separately and that on each occasion, the former president affirmed Osinbajo as the “best man for the job.”
The former presidential aide criticised Omole’s approach, accusing him of failing to consult key actors involved in the events.
“Anyone who sets out to write about the Buhari presidency… has a basic obligation to fairness and inquiry,” Ojudu said.
“To embark on such a project without seeking their account is not serious scholarship or history. It is advocacy masquerading as biography.”
He added, “Only a hack would attempt to fix the record of a complex administration by relying on hearsay, grievance, and one-sided recollection while deliberately ignoring those who were central actors in the events being described.”