More details have emerged on why former President Muhammadu Buhari did not support the presidential ambition of his former Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, during the 2022 general elections.
According to Buhari, the decision was based on the fact that he did not have a personal relationship with Osinbajo before they began working together in government.
This explanation is contained in Buhari’s biography titled “From Soldier to Statesman: The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari”, written by Dr Charles Omole.
In the book, Buhari disclosed that he only came to know Osinbajo through President Bola Tinubu. He said his connection with Osinbajo was indirect and largely influenced by Tinubu’s political relationship with the former Vice President.
Buhari also expressed surprise that Osinbajo chose to contest for the presidential ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) against Tinubu, whom he described as the person that introduced Osinbajo to him.
The former President was quoted in the book as saying, “I don’t know Osinbajo from anywhere. I met him only through Tinubu.”
Osinbajo previously served as Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Lagos State during Tinubu’s tenure as governor.
He was widely regarded as one of Tinubu’s close political associates and beneficiaries of his political mentorship.
During preparations for the 2015 presidential election, Tinubu reportedly recommended Osinbajo to Buhari as a suitable running mate.
This recommendation eventually led to Osinbajo’s emergence as Vice President, a position he held for eight years.
The biography, which sheds light on key moments in Buhari’s political life and leadership decisions, was officially launched at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Tuesday.
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