Ex-Osinbajo Aide Dismisses Claims Buhari Opposed Vice President’s 2023 Presidential Bid

Ex-Osinbajo Aide Dismisses Claims Buhari Opposed Vice President’s 2023 Presidential Bid

A former senior aide to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has strongly refuted claims that President Muhammadu Buhari opposed Osinbajo’s 2023 presidential ambition, describing the narrative as misleading and historically inaccurate.

Babafemi Ojudu, who served as Special Adviser on Political Matters in the Office of the Vice President from 2016 to 2022, was responding to claims contained in a new book by Dr Charles Omole, Muhammadu Buhari: From Soldier to Statesman, which suggests internal tensions within the Buhari administration over Osinbajo’s presidential bid.

Ojudu described the claim that Buhari was unsupportive as “implausible and mischievous,” insisting that the matter of succession was discussed directly between Buhari and Osinbajo on at least four separate occasions, all of which ended with Buhari’s clear backing.

“President Buhari never advised Professor Osinbajo to step aside for anyone, nor did he express support for another aspirant,” Ojudu said. “He consistently encouraged him to reflect and assured him of his full support.”

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According to Ojudu, Buhari at one point described Osinbajo as the best candidate to lead Nigeria, citing his loyalty, experience as Acting President, deep understanding of governance, and capacity to provide continuity and stability.

He added that Buhari’s support extended beyond private discussions, noting that the former president openly acknowledged Osinbajo’s nationwide consultations during Federal Executive Council meetings and encouraged him to engage governors and National Assembly leaders ahead of his formal declaration. Buhari reportedly also reviewed and commended Osinbajo’s declaration speech after he joined the race.

Ojudu further disclosed that governors who privately consulted Buhari about Osinbajo’s ambition were told unequivocally that the Vice President was the best man for the job.

Challenging the credibility of claims of presidential opposition, Ojudu argued that Osinbajo lacked an independent political structure or personal war chest and could not realistically have pursued the presidency without Buhari’s approval and backing.

He criticised the book’s approach, faulting its failure to seek accounts from key actors within the administration and describing it as “advocacy masquerading as biography.”

“History is not written to settle scores,” Ojudu said. “Those who twist it for personal animus may enjoy fleeting attention, but they rarely survive the judgment of time.”

Ex-Osinbajo Aide Dismisses Claims Buhari Opposed Vice President’s 2023 Presidential Bid