Tinubu-Buhari merger talks failed in 2011 over running mate dispute

Former Minister of Information Lai Mohammed revealed that alliance talks between President Tinubu and late President Buhari collapsed in 2011 due to disagreement over the running mate position. Buhari had already selected Pastor Tunde Bakare as his running mate, which caused conflict with Tinubu's ACN party that controlled six states. ACN proposed contesting under CPC's platform but demanded Bakare be replaced, arguing their larger state control gave them leverage. When Buhari refused, ACN withdrew, leading to both parties' defeat in 2011. By 2012, both leaders recognized their mutual dependence.

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/03/12/why-tinubu-buhari-merger-talks-failed-in-2011-lai-mohammed/