Omatseye reveals how Buhari plotted against Tinubu after securing his second term

Veteran journalist and columnist Sam Omatseye recently shared a narrative on Edmund Obilo’s podcast, State Affairs, about the strained relationship between former President Muhammadu Buhari and Bola Ahmed Tinubu after Buhari secured his second term in office.

Omatseye’s account sheds light on how the political alliance between the two figures soured, leading to a series of maneuvers aimed at weakening Tinubu’s influence in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

According to Omatseye, the rift between former president Buhari and Tinubu began almost immediately after Buhari assumed office, with an intense estrangement occurring within the first year.

He claimed that Buhari’s fear of Tinubu’s political strength was the key reason behind this fallout.

“Buhari didn’t want him because he was afraid of him,” Omatseye remarked, referring to how the former president and his inner circle worked to distance themselves from the former Lagos State governor.

At one point, Omatseye even mentioned rumors that there were attempts to revoke Tinubu’s access to the State House, though he expressed uncertainty about whether this move actually took place.

However, as Buhari’s second-term ambition became more challenging without Tinubu’s support, he reportedly sought to mend fences with the influential politician.

Omatseye argued that Buhari realized that Tinubu’s backing was crucial for securing his re-election.

“He knew that if Bola Ahmed Tinubu did not come to his side, his desire for a second term would be difficult,” Omatseye explained.

The two leaders reconciled temporarily, with Tinubu playing a significant role in ensuring Buhari’s second-term victory.

Yet, once Buhari’s re-election was secured, the dynamics shifted again. Omatseye described how Buhari and his associates, including key governors and members of the cabal surrounding the president, began to actively undermine Tinubu’s position within the APC.

One significant move was the removal of Adams Oshiomhole, who was seen as a close ally of Tinubu, from his position as the National Chairman of the party.

Omatseye explained that this was part of a broader strategy to take control of the APC’s structure, thereby diminishing Tinubu’s influence.