From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
The Presidency has said the enduring partnership between President Bola Tinubu and former president, Muhammadu Buhari, remains a cornerstone of Nigerian politics, marked by mutual respect, shared achievements, and occasional challenges. Despite attempts by opposition figures to exploit perceived cracks in their relationship, the bond between the two leaders has proven resilient.
Senior Special Assistant to President Tinubu on Media, Publicity, and Special Duties, Tunde Rahman, in an article titled: “Tinubu-Buhari partnership and opposition’s desperate search for validation” described the alliance as one built on mutual respect and shared political goals. “The special relationship between President Tinubu and former President Buhari has witnessed many remarkable moments. It has experienced dramatic and exciting times, just as there have been challenging moments,” he said. He emphasized that despite occasional strains, the two leaders have “trudged on to the admiration of their mutual friends and associates, and bewilderment – I dare say, disappointment – of others who would wish both had long parted ways.”
Rahman recalled Buhari’s invitation to Tinubu in 2017 to join his entourage for the African Union-European Union Summit in Côte d’Ivoire. “Coming from Buhari, the invitation was a pleasant surprise to the then All Progressives Congress National Leader,” Rahman noted. At the time, Tinubu had been sidelined by the administration he helped bring to power in 2015. The trip symbolized a rekindling of collaboration. During the visit, Buhari publicly acknowledged Tinubu’s contributions, stating: “I must thank our Leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He has brought me a very beautiful piece of information… Thank you very much for your hard work.”
The presidential aide further highlights Tinubu’s critical role in Buhari’s rise to power in 2015 after three unsuccessful presidential bids. “Tinubu had helped Buhari to power in 2015 after the General’s three previous unsuccessful attempts,” Rahman said. The alliance between Buhari’s Congress for Progressives Change (CPC) and Tinubu’s Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN created a formidable coalition that united Nigeria’s Northwest and Southwest regions.
Despite opposition politicians’ recent attempts to court Buhari for political validation ahead of the 2027 elections, Rahman maintains that Buhari remains loyal to APC principles. “Contrary to impressions in some quarters… there is nothing that suggests that Buhari has deviated from or dumped the accord between him and President Tinubu,” Rahman asserted. He pointed out that Buhari reaffirmed his loyalty during a visit by APC Governors at his Kaduna residence, emphasizing humility and citizen-first leadership.
Rahman concluded with confidence in the partnership’s durability: “The special relationship between President Tinubu and former President Buhari remains rock solid. The two eminent leaders will continue to cooperate and collaborate to sustain party unity and promote progressive governance. This alliance stands as a testament to their shared vision for Nigeria’s future amidst political maneuvering by opposition forces.”