Babachir Lawal claims Buhari disapproved of Osinbajo’s appointments and political ambitions

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has made several claims regarding the internal dynamics between former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari and his deputy, Yemi Osinbajo.

Lawal alleged that Buhari expressed displeasure regarding Osinbajo’s tendency to make appointments favoring his own ethnic group and religious affiliation. Specifically, Lawal claimed Buhari questioned the ethnic composition of a staff recruitment list, noting, “But these are all Yorubas.”

Additionally, Lawal stated that Buhari viewed Osinbajo’s decision to contest the 2023 presidential election against Bola Tinubu as “highly immoral and distasteful.” Lawal explained that Buhari’s loyalty to Tinubu, who recommended him for the presidency, would have prevented him from supporting Osinbajo in a race against Tinubu, regardless of his personal assessment of Osinbajo’s capabilities.