Why Buhari didn’t want Tinubu as his successor – Omatseye reveals

DDM News

Renowned public affairs analyst and author, Sam Omatseye, has claimed that former President Muhammadu Buhari did not want Bola Ahmed Tinubu to succeed him.

According to Diaspora digital media (DDM), Omatseye revealed that Buhari’s close associates also opposed Tinubu’s presidential ambition, leading to a strained relationship between the two political figures.

Speaking in an exclusive interview on the State Affairs program with Edmund Obilo, Omatseye highlighted the fallout between Buhari and Tinubu.

He suggested that their political alliance, which had played a crucial role in bringing Buhari to power, began to weaken quickly.

Omatseye said the tension escalated to the point where Tinubu’s access to the Presidential Villa was allegedly threatened.

He stated, “Buhari did not want Tinubu because he was afraid of him. The people around him did not want Tinubu.”

He added, “Remember that after Buhari became president, within a year, there was estrangement between Tinubu and Muhammadu Buhari.”

“The story even went so far as to state that they wanted to remove Tinubu’s pass to the State House,” he said.

“That probably happened or didn’t happen, I am not sure of that. But that was the level of the estrangement.”

Buhari’s political background and Tinubu’s role

Buhari’s political journey has been marked by both resilience and controversy.

A former military ruler, he first governed Nigeria from 1983 to 1985 before being ousted in a coup.

After years in political wilderness, Buhari re-emerged in Nigeria’s democratic space and contested presidential elections multiple times.

He lost in 2003, 2007, and 2011 but remained a strong figure in Nigeria’s political landscape.

His eventual victory in 2015 was largely credited to the political coalition led by Tinubu.

Tinubu played a strategic role in forming the All Progressives Congress (APC), which helped Buhari win the election.

As a former Lagos State governor, Tinubu was a dominant figure in Nigeria’s southwest politics.

His influence helped Buhari overcome the perception that he was unpopular in the south.

Tinubu held considerable political sway, making him a valuable ally for Buhari’s campaign.

Despite their initial collaboration, cracks in their relationship soon became evident after Buhari assumed office.

Tensions between Buhari and Tinubu

Omatseye’s revelations add to long-standing speculations about the rift between Buhari and Tinubu.

During Buhari’s presidency, reports suggested that Tinubu felt sidelined from major decisions.

Despite his role in bringing the administration to power, he was allegedly excluded from key government affairs.

Allegations of power struggles within the ruling APC further fueled tensions between them.

Many of Buhari’s inner circle reportedly worked against Tinubu’s political ambitions.

The suggestion that Buhari’s aides contemplated revoking Tinubu’s access to the Presidential Villa underscores their strained relations.

It remains unclear whether this actually happened, but discussions reportedly took place.

Omatseye’s assertion that Buhari feared Tinubu suggests that the former president saw him as a potential rival.

Political analysts have debated whether Buhari distanced himself from Tinubu to prevent him from consolidating power.

Buhari’s neutral stance in the 2023 elections

As the 2023 elections approached, Buhari maintained what many perceived as a neutral stance regarding Tinubu’s candidacy.

While he eventually endorsed Tinubu as the APC candidate, his support seemed reluctant.

Some party insiders believed that Buhari’s endorsement was not as enthusiastic as expected.

There were also claims that elements within the presidency attempted to sabotage Tinubu’s campaign.

This further fueled speculations that Buhari was not fully committed to his former ally’s success.

Omatseye’s remarks provide insight into the complex relationship between Buhari and Tinubu.

Their political alliance was once seen as unbreakable, but underlying tensions created a significant divide.

Buhari’s presidency was marked by achievements and controversies, but his relationship with Tinubu remains a debated issue.

Analysts continue to dissect the internal power struggles that shaped Nigeria’s political landscape.

Omatseye’s revelations offer a new perspective on Buhari’s leadership and his role in Tinubu’s political journey.

For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook