A recently published book titled From Soldier to Statesman: The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari by Dr. Charles Omole has unveiled significant behind-the-scenes events during former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, including attempts by some of his aides to manipulate the 2023 All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primaries.
According to the book, influential aides close to Buhari reportedly presented forged presidential orders to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA). These orders aimed to have then-Senate President Ahmad Lawan declared as the APC’s preferred presidential candidate ahead of the primaries.
The book quotes former IGP Alkali Baba recounting a discreet meeting involving key security officials, including the National Security Adviser and the Service Chiefs. Buhari reportedly instructed them to ensure security that would allow Nigerians to freely choose their candidate without interference.
Despite this clear directive, the IGP described how individuals “close to the President” approached the heads of the three security agencies on the morning of the primaries with purported presidential orders demanding deployment of security forces to secure Lawan’s nomination. The security chiefs rejected the directive and sought an urgent meeting with Buhari. During this meeting, Buhari clarified that he had not endorsed any candidate and insisted on allowing the party voters to decide freely.
The book also highlights that the officials involved informed the waiting aides outside the presidential office that Buhari had not interfered or endorsed anyone, exposing how some aides exploited Buhari’s trust to push their own agenda without his knowledge.
Further revelations include the role of former First Lady Aisha Buhari in instigating the removal of the then-Director-General of the DSS, Lawal Daura. When Acting President Yemi Osinbajo removed Daura, Buhari refused to overturn the decision, respecting institutional protocols and authority delegated to his vice president.
Another dramatic episode described in the book involves gunfire within the Presidential Villa during a family dispute linked to the First Lady’s office. The book states that a police officer attached to the First Lady fired shots, leading to his arrest and detention by the President’s Chief Security Officer, Abubakar Idris. Buhari subsequently ensured that consequences were enforced, including asking a family member implicated in the incident to leave the Villa. This move underscored Buhari’s stance that even close relations would not be shielded from accountability.
The book launch event took place at the State House Conference Hall in Abuja, attended by President Bola Tinubu, Gambian President Adama Barrow, former First Lady Aisha Buhari, and other dignitaries.
These disclosures provide new insight into the complex political and personal dynamics within the Buhari administration, highlighting attempts to manipulate democratic processes and internal conflicts in the highest corridors of power.
