Amidst claims of cold relationships between President Bola Tinubu and former President Muhammadu Buhari, presidency on Sunday , said both are enjoying very robust relationship.
Tunde Rahman, Senior Special Assistant to President Tinubu on Media, Publicity and Special Duties, in a statement, debunked the claims, even as he stated that they have ” witnessed many remarkable moments.”
Rahman, a long standing aide of President Tinubu, stated that both Buhari and Tinubu has experienced dramatic and exciting times, just as there have been challenging moments.
Rahman, reacting to warning by Ali Ndume, that Tinubu should be worried if Buhari is not on his side, added that “Life changing and sweet memories abound between the two great leaders.
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“Between the two great men, there are recollections of might-have-beens. There are also open testimonies about the gains of the partnership and words of commendation as well as scornful moments.” he said
Rahman said despite the challenges, the two leaders have trudged on to the admiration of their mutual friends and associates, and bewilderment – I dare say, disappointment – of others who would wish both had long parted ways.
Recalled that Tinubu had helped Buhari to power in 2015 after the General’s three previous unsuccessful attempts.
An alliance between Buhari’s Congress for Progressives Change (CPC) and Tinubu’s Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) together with the support of the breakaway team from the Peoples Democratic Party PDP, made the Buhari’s presidency possible in 2015.
That was after an earlier attempt at forming a similar alliance hit the rocks in 2011.
Tinubu’s support ahead of the 2015 election, had engendered a working alliance between the North-west and South-west that put the wind in Buhari’s sail and fired him to the presidency.
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Rahman, quoting Garba Shehu, Buhari’s media aide, noted how former President Buhari underscored the bond between him and Tinubu.
“He disclosed that his family and himself remain indebted to President Tinubu and other APC leaders for the invaluable contributions they made towards the formation of the party, which catapulted him to the presidency for two terms, and helped to produce another APC administration with Tinubu himself at its head.
“No doubt, the annals of the country will not be complete without bringing into mention, and a recognition of the varied and numerous roles of President Tinubu as an entrepreneur, a party stalwart, a staunch activist, party organiser, party builder, a reliable ally and a serial winner of democratic elections. I am truly proud of my association with the Asiwaju,” the former president said.
President Tinubu, on his part, has at every turn extolled the virtues of former President Buhari. For instance, during Buhari’s 82nd birthday last December 17, Tinubu penned a moving tribute to the former president.
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He wrote: “Dear President Muhammadu Buhari, on behalf of the government and people of Nigeria, I extend my warmest congratulations and best wishes to you on your 82nd Birthday.
“As you celebrate this remarkable milestone in Daura, we reflect on your years of dedicated service and leadership, which have significantly shaped the course of our nation. Your steadfast commitment to Nigeria’s advancement and unity inspires many, and your enduring legacy continues to guide our nation’s journey towards prosperity and stability.”
Praising Buhari for his doggedness and resilience in contesting presidential elections in 2003, 2007 and 2011 before winning in 2015 and 2019, inspiring “us never to give up,” President Tinubu assured him: “I will continue to build on the infrastructure legacy you bequeathed to our nation as the leader of our country’s first All Progressives Congress administration.”
Rahman noted that Ndume’s claims may have stem from the recent remarks by the former president during a visit by APC Governors, who paid him Eid-el-Fitri homage in his Kaduna residence, which he said “did not in any way undermine the accord. Underlining his cult-like following in the North, the governors had, during the visit, reportedly urged Buhari to dissuade his CPC associates from leaving APC, noting that doing so would strengthen the governing party against the opposition.”
During the visit, Buhari had called on political leaders to embrace humility, transparency, and a citizen-first approach to governance, disclosing that he left office with no personal material gain, emphasizing that true leadership is measured not by personal accumulation, but by public service and impact.
Garba Shehu again quoted the former president in a statement he issued: “Leaders must always prioritize the welfare of citizens over personal or partisan interestss
“I left office with the same physical assets I had before becoming President.” Buhari also expressed satisfaction with the renovations to his Kaduna home and thanked the Tinubu administration for the improvements made inside the building. “Outwardly, the house looks the same, but the renovations have been significant,” he said.
The former President had while reacting to requests by the APC Governors’ that the former President should implore his CPC associates not to leave the party, the former president had reportedly declined to commit.
Buhari , while reaffirming his loyalty to APC, was said to have insisted that others must be allowed to make their own political choices. Some analysts and commentators had interpreted that to mean Buhari was pitching his camps with the opposition.
