Why Buhari Did Not Back Osinbajo For Presidency – Babafemi Ojudu

A former Presidential Special Adviser on Political Matters, Babafemi Ojudu, has faulted the leadership style of ex-President, Muhammadu Buhari.

Naija News reports that Ojudu, while featuring on veteran journalist, Edmund Obilo’s podcast, State Affairs, on Monday, said Buhari never backed former Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo’s presidential ambition because he was not a visionary.

He, however, described Buhari as a patriot and an incorruptible leader.

Asked why Buhari didn’t back Osinbajo for the presidency, Ojudu said: “I think Buhari wasn’t a visionary. I was a very big admirer of Buhari because of what I saw in his first term and because of his attitude, pattern, and lifestyle.

“But coming up close, I didn’t see much of vision; it’s unfortunate, I’m saying [this]. He is a patriot of Nigeria and he’s incorruptible. Take it from me, his needs are few. Those are good qualities but they are not enough when you are a leader. You have to design good vision and that’s what makes us celebrate Awolowo today; he was a visionary.”

Recall that Osinbajo had contested for the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential ticket in 2022 but lost to the eventual winner, President Bola Tinubu.

Meanwhile, former presidential spokesperson, Garba Shehu, has refuted reports suggesting that the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) revoked a plot of land belonging to Buhari.

Shehu clarified that the land was lawfully acquired for the Muhammadu Buhari Foundation by associates of the former leader and not owned by Buhari personally.

He explained that the land was allocated to the Foundation, established by Buhari’s supporters and associates, with full legal backing.

Shehu revealed that the Foundation faced challenges with the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) over what was described as an exorbitant certificate of occupancy fee.

He claimed the fee was unusually high compared to what similar organisations were charged.

While the reasons for the FCTA’s revocation remain unclear, Shehu suggested it might be an administrative error or an intentional act.