Lawal claims Tinubu feared Buhari, felt depressed before APC primary over rumors
Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal alleges that President Bola Tinubu experienced fear and depression ahead of the 2023 APC presidential primary due to false rumors that former President Muhammadu Buhari had endorsed another aspirant. Lawal said individuals exploited the perceived power vacuum after Buhari's recovery from illness, demanding large sums from candidates by claiming they could influence Buhari through a woman close to him. He stated that Tinubu would become depressed after hearing such claims and avoided confronting Buhari directly, instead relying on former Osun Governor Bisi Akande - who enjoyed Buhari's trust - to verify the former president's position. Akande's feedback consistently contradicted the rumors, helping to dispel the misinformation during the party's nomination process. The allegations were made during an interview with Symfoni TV released on July 26, 2026, and shed light on the behind-the-scenes dynamics that shaped Tinubu's emergence as the APC candidate. For Nigerians, this highlights how unverified claims and perceived power brokers can influence political outcomes and affect public trust in leadership. It also underscores the role of trusted intermediaries in verifying information within political parties. When evaluating political narratives, citizens should consider the impact of behind-the-scenes rumors and demand transparency from leaders about how decisions are made, especially ahead of future elections.