Buhari, Inner Circle Allegedly Conspired Against Tinubu’s Presidential Bid, Reveals Sam Omatseye

Sam Omatseye, Chairman of The Nation Newspapers’ editorial board, has exposed a purported plot orchestrated by former President Muhammadu Buhari and his close associates, whom he referred to as “vampires and peacocks,” against the presidential aspirations of Bola Tinubu.

Omatseye, shedding light on this alleged conspiracy in his latest book, “Beating all odds: diaries and essays on how Bola Tinubu became president,” unveiled that certain stakeholders surrounding Buhari were not only opposed to Tinubu’s bid but harbored genuine fear of his potential presidency.

The intrigue deepened with maneuvers within the party’s upper echelons, collaborating with the presidential cabal to sideline Adams Oshiomhole’s executive, marking a significant move to thwart Tinubu’s ambitions. Attempts to establish a consensus candidate faltered, entangled in legal challenges over the interpretation of their coined phrases, further exacerbating their struggles with open and closed primaries.

Undeterred, Tinubu faced the challenges head-on, maintaining a resolute stance despite the turbulent political landscape. Omatseye recounts Tinubu’s unwavering determination, quoting his announcement in December 2021 of preparing a speech in late January 2022 to officially declare his intention to run for the presidency. Tinubu, seemingly unfazed by the obstacles, demonstrated confidence in navigating the complex political terrain, envisioning a positive outcome amid skepticism from others.