Buhari’s Inner Circle Divided Over Oyegun’s Role in Presidential Screening – Okechukwu

• Osita Okechukwu revealed that President Buhari’s inner circle was divided over Chief Odigie-Oyegun’s appointment as APC presidential screening committee chairman
• Okechukwu refuted claims that Buhari opposed Tinubu’s candidacy, stating Buhari maintained neutrality, allowing delegates to decide during the primaries

Osita Okechukwu, a founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has revealed that President Muhammadu Buhari’s inner circle was divided over the appointment of Chief John Odigie-Oyegun as chairman of the APC presidential screening committee ahead of the 2023 elections.

In a statement issued on Friday, Okechukwu disclosed that opinions within Buhari’s “kitchen cabinet” were split over whether to support Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s presidential ambition.

Despite the differences, Buhari chose neutrality, allowing delegates to choose during the APC primaries at Eagle Square.

Okechukwu also refuted claims by Babafemi Ojudu, a former Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, who alleged that Buhari did not support Tinubu’s candidacy. Ojudu had previously suggested that Tinubu outmanoeuvred Buhari during the presidential race.

Countering this, Okechukwu stated, “Yes, there was division over whether to support Tinubu or not.

However, Buhari aligned with the camp led by the then Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu, quoting the Holy Quran to emphasize loyalty to a man who stood by him through difficult times. He insisted the delegates should decide.”

The debate within the cabinet, according to Okechukwu, revolved around whether allegations against some of the 23 presidential aspirants, including Tinubu, warranted their disqualification.

However, Buhari maintained a hands-off approach, refusing to endorse any candidate, including Senate President Ahmed Lawan, who was often rumored to have been his preferred choice.

“If Buhari truly supported Lawan, he would have made it clear to the APC Governors Forum, who repeatedly sought his direction on whom to support,” Okechukwu added.