By Chukwudi Obasi, Abuja
Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr. Boss Mustapha, has pushed back against claims that any single political figure was solely responsible for Muhammadu Buhari’s emergence as Nigeria’s President in 2015.
Speaking during the public unveiling of “According to the President: Lessons from a Presidential Spokesperson’s Experience”, a memoir by Garba Shehu, Buhari’s former Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mustapha emphasised that Buhari’s long-standing political relevance and consistent voter base were critical to his eventual victory.
The event, held in Abuja on Wednesday, drew prominent political leaders, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon (retd), and key members of the Buhari administration.
“Let me make it clear — and I say this not to provoke any controversy — no single individual made Buhari president,” Mustapha declared. “Long before the merger that formed the APC, Buhari already had a political movement behind him. He had consistently polled over 12 million votes in previous presidential elections, even without the support of other parties.”
*Ex-SGF Mustapha says Buhari brought 12.2 million votes, while Tinubu and others only came with 3.2 million to the merger
Drawing on his insider role in the 2013 merger process that gave birth to the APC, Mustapha said Buhari’s political influence was the foundation upon which the coalition was built.
“When we looked at the statistics, it was clear that Buhari brought a stable bloc of 12.5 million votes to the table,” he said. “The merging parties – ACN, ANPP, a faction of APGA, and the New PDP – collectively added about three million votes. So, the argument that anyone ‘made’ Buhari president oversimplifies the political reality of that period.”
The former SGF gave a historical overview of Buhari’s presidential bids:
“In 2003, Buhari secured 12.7 million votes against President Olusegun Obasanjo. In 2007, he garnered 6.6 million votes. In 2011, he bounced back with 12.2 million votes.
“These numbers reveal a loyal following. Buhari’s candidacy was viable with or without a merger. What the merger did was create a vehicle through which that viability could be translated into electoral victory,” Mustapha said.
He added that Buhari garnered 12.5 million votes, while the merging parties collectively garnered 3.5 million votes for him.
He acknowledged the roles of other political actors in the merger process, including President Bola Tinubu, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, and others, but insisted that Buhari’s popularity, integrity, and disciplined message were the unifying force behind APC’s success.
“The merger had value, but it was Buhari’s credibility and moral authority that brought cohesion to the coalition. He was the glue that held it all together,” Mustapha noted.
Mustapha’s assertion stands in contrast to comments made by President Tinubu in June 2022 during a strategic visit to Ogun State, where he openly claimed responsibility for Buhari’s victory.
At the height of his campaign to clinch the APC presidential ticket, Tinubu had boldly declared:
“If not for me, Buhari wouldn’t have become President. He failed three times, wept publicly, and vowed not to run again. I went to Kaduna, convinced him to run one more time, and I stood by him until he won.”
He further explained that Buhari initially offered him the vice-presidential slot, which he declined for the sake of party unity, and nominated Yemi Osinbajo instead.
“I was the one who proposed Osinbajo after certain party leaders felt a Muslim-Muslim ticket would be problematic,” Tinubu had said. “I was asked to submit three names, but I insisted on one. I gave up my ambition then — now, it’s my turn.”
These remarks sparked a nationwide debate over the extent of Tinubu’s role in Buhari’s victory and raised questions about the political ownership of shared achievements.
*Tinubu: Nation-building is a relay
Represented by the current SGF, Senator George Akume, President Bola Tinubu used the occasion to underscore the importance of preserving Nigeria’s political history and continuity in leadership.
“As a nation, we must never get tired of documenting our journey,” Tinubu stated. “If we must move forward purposefully, we must learn from the past with honesty.”
The President acknowledged Buhari’s contributions to national development and promised that his administration would consolidate the gains of his predecessor through the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“Nation-building is a relay,” Tinubu said. “The efforts of one administration lay the foundation for the next. I acknowledge the efforts of my predecessor, President Buhari, and assure all Nigerians that the reform-oriented path he initiated will be consolidated and strengthened under this administration.”
*Gowon, Akume pay tribute to Buhari’s legacy
In his address, the Chairman of the occasion and former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (retd), commended Buhari’s austere leadership style and personal integrity.
“Buhari tried his best during his eight years in office to tackle Nigeria’s many challenges, particularly in security,” Gowon said. “His disciplined lifestyle and dedication to the Nigerian project were evident throughout his administration.”
He recounted an incident from the book that illustrated Buhari’s frugality:
“Shortly after his swearing-in, Buhari was briefed on the catering budget at the State House. When told it was N10 million, he was shocked and demanded it be drastically reduced. That’s who he is — austere and unmaterialistic.”
Senator George Akume, delivering Tinubu’s remarks, praised Buhari’s tenure for its focus on national infrastructure, self-reliance, public sector reform, and a foreign policy grounded in principle.
“Under Buhari, Nigeria witnessed a drive for fiscal discipline, anti-corruption, and infrastructure renewal,” Akume noted. “He laid the groundwork for a more self-sufficient and stable nation.”
*Garba Shehu: Buhari was misunderstood
Shehu, the author of the memoir, described Buhari as a misunderstood leader who faced immense public expectations.
“Buhari suffered from what I call the ‘tyranny of high expectations,'” Shehu said. “There was often a wide gap between public perception and the reality of his administration’s work.”
He urged journalists to use their platforms responsibly and noted that part of Buhari’s challenge came from unfair or one-sided portrayals in the media.
“Media professionals wield great influence. We must use that power to inform, not mislead. That’s part of why I wrote this book — to set the record straight,” Shehu added.
The book launch drew a high-powered audience, including current and former government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, and media executives.
“According to the President” explores Shehu’s eight-year journey as the chief spokesperson to President Buhari, chronicling key moments, decisions, and behind-the-scenes insights into presidential communication.
