‘You Didn’t Make Buhari President’ – Boss Mustapha Counters Tinubu’s Claim

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, has strongly refuted President Bola Tinubu’s assertion that he was solely responsible for the emergence of Muhammadu Buhari as Nigeria’s president in 2015.

Mustapha, who served under the Buhari administration, made his position clear in a statement released on Tuesday, challenging Tinubu’s narrative and emphasizing the collective efforts that led to Buhari’s victory.

The Controversial Claim

President Tinubu, during a recent public engagement, had credited himself as the architect behind Buhari’s successful presidential campaign in 2015. His remarks sparked widespread reactions, with political analysts and stakeholders debating the accuracy of the claim.

However, Mustapha, a key figure in the Buhari administration, dismissed Tinubu’s statement as misleading. He highlighted the contributions of various political groups, including the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), which Buhari led before merging with other parties to form the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Mustapha’s Rebuttal

In his response, Mustapha stated:

“The narrative that one individual was solely responsible for President Buhari’s victory is incorrect. The success of the 2015 election was a collective effort involving multiple stakeholders, including the CPC, APC leadership, and millions of Nigerians who believed in Buhari’s vision.”

He further emphasized that Buhari’s political journey was built on years of perseverance, grassroots mobilization, and strategic alliances—not the influence of a single person.

Historical Context

Before the 2015 elections, Buhari had contested the presidency three times (2003, 2007, and 2011) under different political platforms. His eventual victory in 2015 was largely attributed to the formation of the APC, a merger of opposition parties that consolidated their strengths to challenge the then-ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

Mustapha pointed out that key figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Lagos State Governor Bola Tinubu, and other party leaders played significant roles in the merger. However, he insisted that Buhari’s widespread support in Northern Nigeria and his anti-corruption stance were decisive factors.

Political Reactions

The debate has drawn reactions from political commentators and former aides of Buhari. Garba Shehu, Buhari’s former spokesperson, echoed Mustapha’s stance, stating:

“President Buhari’s victory was a product of national consensus against bad governance. While Tinubu’s contributions were valuable, they were part of a larger movement.”

Meanwhile, supporters of Tinubu argue that his strategic influence and financial backing were instrumental in the APC’s success.

Implications for Nigerian Politics

This public disagreement highlights the ongoing power dynamics within the APC, as different factions seek to assert their influence ahead of future elections. Analysts suggest that such debates could shape alliances and rivalries in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections.

Mustapha’s remarks also underscore the broader conversation about political credit-taking in Nigeria, where leaders often emphasize individual contributions over collective efforts.

Conclusion

As the discourse continues, the exchange between Mustapha and Tinubu serves as a reminder of the complexities of Nigeria’s political landscape. While personal ambitions and narratives play a role, the reality of electoral success often hinges on coalition-building and national sentiment.

For more details, read the original report on SolaceBase.