The alliance between President Bola Tinubu and former President Muhammadu Buhari remains a cornerstone of Nigerian politics, weathering storms and defying opposition attempts to exploit perceived cracks, according to Tunde Rahman, Senior Special Assistant to President Tinubu on Media, Publicity & Special Duties.Rahman highlights the deep-rooted relationship between the two leaders, marked by significant milestones and mutual respect.
He recalls instances where their collaboration proved pivotal, such as when Buhari invited Tinubu to join him at the 5th African Union-European Union Summit in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, in 2017. During that trip, Tinubu provided Buhari with crucial information that the President acknowledged publicly, reinforcing the value of their partnership.The author underscores Tinubu’s instrumental role in Buhari’s ascent to power in 2015, after previous unsuccessful attempts.
The resuscitation of the alliance between Buhari’s Congress for Progressives Change (CPC) and Tinubu’s Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) forged a formidable coalition between the North-west and South-west, propelling Buhari to the presidency.Recent affirmations from both leaders further cement the strength of their bond. Buhari, in a telephone call to Tinubu on his 73rd birthday, expressed his gratitude for Tinubu’s contributions to the formation of the APC, which led to his two-term presidency and the subsequent emergence of Tinubu as his successor.
Tinubu, on the other hand, has consistently lauded Buhari’s leadership, as exemplified in his birthday tribute last December, where he praised Buhari’s dedication to Nigeria’s advancement and unity.While acknowledging past challenges, such as Tinubu’s perceived sidelining during Buhari’s first term and attempts to thwart his presidential ambition in 2023, Rahman asserts that the relationship has only grown stronger.
He dismisses suggestions that Buhari’s recent remarks during an Eid-el-Fitri homage by APC Governors in Kaduna indicated a shift in allegiance. During that visit, Buhari called for humility, transparency, and a citizen-first approach to governance, while also affirming his loyalty to the APC.
Rahman interprets Buhari’s laissez-faire stance on political choices as consistent with his long-held principles, citing his actions during the 2019 Ogun State governorship election as an example. He also references Buhari’s recent clarification regarding former Kaduna Governor Nasir el-Rufai’s defection to the Social Democratic Party, where Buhari reiterated his unwavering commitment to the APC.
In light of recent attempts by opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, to court Buhari’s support for their 2027 plans, Rahman asserts that there is no evidence to suggest a deviation from the accord between Buhari and Tinubu. He concludes that their special relationship remains rock solid, built on mutual respect, understanding, cooperation, and reciprocal support, ensuring continued party unity and progressive governance.
