By George Omagbemi Sylvester
Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, has claimed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was overwhelmed by the realities of governance after assuming office and suggested that the late President Muhammadu Buhari wielded significant influence over him during the early days of his administration.
Lawal made the remarks during a recent media interview while commenting on the relationship between Tinubu and Buhari, as well as the state of governance under the current administration. According to him, Tinubu was initially “afraid” of Buhari and struggled to assert himself after taking office, adding that the pressure of leadership allegedly pushed the President into a period of depression.
The former SGF argued that the challenges confronting the Tinubu administration were compounded by inherited economic and governance issues, insisting that the President found it difficult to immediately chart an independent course after succeeding Buhari in May 2023.
Lawal also criticised the administration’s handling of key national issues, including the economy, insecurity and the rising cost of living, maintaining that Nigerians expected more decisive leadership and policy direction.
He urged the government to focus on practical solutions capable of addressing the country’s pressing socio-economic challenges rather than engaging in political rhetoric.
As of the time of filing this report, the Presidency had not issued an official response to Lawal’s comments.
The remarks have, however, generated fresh political debate as parties and key stakeholders continue consultations ahead of the 2027 general election.
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