By Our Correspondent
Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir David Lawal, has stirred fresh political debate after revealing what he described as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s role in the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the party’s successful 2015 presidential campaign.
Speaking during a recent interview, Lawal said Tinubu was one of the key figures behind the creation of the APC, a coalition that united several opposition parties and ultimately ended the Peoples Democratic Party’s 16-year hold on power.
According to the former SGF, Tinubu played a central role in convincing influential political leaders to support the presidential ambition of former President Muhammadu Buhari, despite doubts in some political circles about Buhari’s chances of winning the election.
Lawal also claimed that Tinubu made major financial contributions to the APC’s 2015 election campaign. He alleged that the President personally financed parts of the campaign, including providing support for then vice-presidential candidate Prof. Yemi Osinbajo and hiring foreign political consultants to strengthen the party’s campaign strategy.
The former SGF described Tinubu’s contributions as vital to the APC’s historic victory in the 2015 general election, which marked the first time an opposition party defeated an incumbent ruling party in Nigeria’s democratic history.
Lawal’s remarks have sparked fresh discussions about the internal workings of the APC and the roles played by its founding leaders in securing the party’s rise to power. His comments also come at a time of increased political activity, as alliances and loyalties continue to shape Nigeria’s political landscape.
While Lawal’s account has attracted public attention, his statements reflect his own account of events. The specific claims regarding the extent of Tinubu’s financial contributions have not been independently verified through publicly available evidence.
The interview has generated reactions across political circles and social media, with supporters describing the remarks as recognition of Tinubu’s influence within the APC, while critics have called for greater transparency regarding campaign financing and the history of the party’s formation.
As conversations continue, Lawal’s comments are expected to remain part of discussions about the APC’s formation, the 2015 elections, and the political relationships that helped shape modern Nigerian politics.
