To counter the misinformation, Lawal repeatedly assured Tinubu that the claims were baseless and urged him to verify the information directly with Buhari. However, since Tinubu was unwilling to approach the former president, Lawal turned to Chief Bisi Akande, the former Osun State governor and a trusted APC chieftain who enjoyed Buhari’s confidence and respect.
Akande played a crucial role in bridging the communication gap. He would speak directly with Buhari and relay his actual stance to Tinubu, often confirming Lawal’s earlier assurances. This helped dispel the rumors and provided Tinubu with the clarity he needed during a tense and uncertain period.
Lawal emphasized that Buhari, even in his later years, remained mentally sharp and disengaged from day-to-day governance, which created space for misinformation to spread. He described how people tried to manipulate the situation by leveraging Buhari’s trusted inner circle, including a woman whom the former president always listened to.
The revelations offer a rare behind-the-scenes look at the pressures faced by Tinubu during the 2023 presidential race. As Nigeria continues to navigate its political landscape, understanding these internal dynamics may provide context for future leadership transitions and party politics.
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