Former Chief of Staff to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, has said that informal power blocs, often described as “cabals,” are a common feature in every government, noting that their influence varies from one administration to another.

Gambari made the remark during an appearance on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme, where he spoke on the legacy of the Buhari administration.

According to him, every president operates with a close inner circle made up of trusted associates who share similar experiences and perspectives about governance and national direction.

He explained that while such inner groups are normal in government, problems arise when members prioritize telling leaders what they want to hear instead of what they need to know.

“A president can only be as effective as the people around him and the support structure available. True loyalty should place national interest above personal gain,” Gambari said.

He added, “Every president has what some may call a cabal — others may describe it as an inner circle or caucus. These are individuals close to the leader, bound by shared experiences and convictions, and who can speak frankly when necessary.”

Gambari, however, cautioned that some inner circles can be counterproductive. “Unfortunately, there are situations where such groups tell the president what he wants to hear rather than what he needs to hear. They exist in all governments, though their level of influence differs.”

He also noted that the powers often attributed to so-called cabals are sometimes exaggerated, stressing that those perceived as influential figures in Buhari’s administration understood their limits.

“From my experience working with them during my time in office, they knew how far they could go and did not exceed those boundaries. President Buhari himself had what I describe as creative stubbornness, similar to the late Obafemi Awolowo,” Gambari stated.