In a revealing development, close allies of former President Muhammadu Buhari have disclosed that the ex-leader is far from pleased with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s handling of Nigeria’s economy and the political landscape, citing a series of contentious decisions that have fueled tension between the two leaders. According to sources within Buhari’s inner circle, the former president’s unhappiness stems from several key areas of Tinubu’s policies and political maneuvers, notably his economic reforms and appointments, which many feel have marginalized certain regions and factions of the country.
One of the primary sources of Buhari’s frustration is Tinubu’s aggressive economic policies, particularly the controversial removal of fuel subsidies and the corresponding increase in taxes. The removal of fuel subsidies, a move which Tinubu promised during his campaign, has led to a sharp increase in the price of fuel, exacerbating the already difficult economic situation for millions of Nigerians. This decision, coupled with a hike in taxes, has intensified the financial strain on ordinary citizens, leading to widespread protests and discontent. According to one of Buhari’s close confidants, “Buhari never believed the country’s people should suffer as much as they are under Tinubu’s administration. The former president was always cautious about implementing drastic economic changes without ensuring the welfare of the masses, but Tinubu’s policies have had the opposite effect.”
Buhari’s dissatisfaction is further compounded by the feeling that Tinubu’s approach to governance has created a widening gulf between the north and other regions of the country. Northern Nigeria, once Buhari’s stronghold, is increasingly alienated by what many see as a deliberate lack of political representation. Tinubu’s appointments, particularly in key areas of security, education, and infrastructure, have been criticized for not reflecting the demographic and political diversity that many in the north had hoped for. “The north feels sidelined,” said another source. “Buhari, being a northern leader himself, is particularly concerned about the lack of meaningful appointments for the north, and this is causing significant frustration. He feels that Tinubu is not paying enough attention to the region’s interests, despite their overwhelming support during the elections.”
Another major point of contention involves the perceived sidelining of certain individuals who had been loyal to Buhari during his tenure, and who had hoped for a continued influence under Tinubu’s rule. Key figures such as Governors Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State and Yahaya Bello of Kogi State, who played pivotal roles in ensuring Buhari’s victories, have found themselves excluded from the core decision-making processes of the Tinubu administration. These governors, who were seen as potential power brokers and close allies of Buhari, have publicly expressed frustration at being sidelined, and sources close to the former president claim that Buhari himself is deeply disappointed by their exclusion.
“El-Rufai, Bello, and others who fought hard for Buhari’s success have felt ignored by Tinubu, and Buhari knows this. He had hoped that his successor would continue to acknowledge their contributions, but Tinubu seems to have other priorities,” one insider revealed. The exclusion of these key figures has led to growing resentment within Buhari’s camp, with some even questioning whether Tinubu is deliberately distancing himself from the former president’s loyalists, possibly in an effort to assert his independence or to build his own power base.
The rift between Buhari and Tinubu appears to be rooted not just in personal grievances, but also in a larger struggle for political control and the future direction of the country. As the 2023 elections are still fresh in the political landscape, Buhari’s allies are concerned that Tinubu’s leadership may be undermining the hard-won political gains of the Buhari administration. The issue is especially significant considering the nature of Nigeria’s multi-faceted governance structure, which demands a delicate balance between regional interests, political loyalty, and economic stability.
The situation is made more complicated by the fact that Buhari, despite his publicly cordial relationship with Tinubu, has always been a figure whose leadership style was marked by a cautious, methodical approach to governance. Unlike Tinubu, who is known for his bold, sometimes risky political decisions, Buhari’s administration was often characterized by restraint, particularly in matters of economic reform. Those close to Buhari feel that Tinubu’s willingness to implement sweeping changes without fully considering their long-term impact has eroded the stability that Buhari worked hard to build.
However, despite these mounting frustrations, sources stress that Buhari has not yet moved to publicly distance himself from Tinubu. His role in the administration remains largely symbolic, but he is said to be deeply concerned about the direction the country is headed. “Buhari is not someone who openly confronts his successors, but behind the scenes, he is watching closely and is not happy with the direction Tinubu is taking the country,” one of the sources confided.
In conclusion, as tensions grow between the former president and his successor, Nigeria finds itself at a crossroads. Buhari’s disappointment with Tinubu’s handling of the economy, his perceived marginalization of the north, and the exclusion of key allies from the political process all point to a deepening rift that could have long-lasting effects on the political and economic landscape of the country. With Buhari’s supporters feeling increasingly sidelined and the Nigerian people grappling with the fallout from the administration’s controversial policies, the coming months will likely see more friction and possibly a shift in Nigeria’s political dynamics.
