Ojudu: Osinbajo discussed 2023 ambition with Buhari, had his backing

Former presidential adviser, Babafemi Ojudu, has faulted claims by author Charles Omole that late President Muhammadu Buhari did not support former Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo’s 2023 presidential ambition.

Omole, in his book From Soldier to Statesman: The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari, had alleged that Buhari was uncomfortable with Osinbajo’s decision to run for president, especially as President Bola Tinubu was also in the race, describing Tinubu as Osinbajo’s political benefactor.

Reacting in a statement on Thursday, Ojudu, who served as special adviser on political matters in the vice-president’s office between 2016 and 2022, said the claims were inaccurate and misleading.

According to him, Osinbajo discussed his presidential ambition with Buhari on no fewer than four occasions, stressing that the former president offered clear encouragement each time.

Ojudu said Buhari never advised Osinbajo to step down for any aspirant, adding that the late president once described the former vice-president as “by far the best person for the job.”

He insisted that Osinbajo would not have considered contesting without Buhari’s knowledge and goodwill.

The former adviser also criticised the book’s author for failing to seek the views of key actors involved, warning that history should be written with balance and fairness, not hearsay or personal grievance.

“History is meant to illuminate the truth, not settle scores,” Ojudu said.