Former President Muhammadu Buhari was not supportive of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo’s presidential ambition in 2023 because Bola Tinubu was in the race, according to a new book.

The revelation is contained in From Soldier to Statesman: The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari, written by Dr Charles Omole.

The book, launched at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Monday, chronicles the life and times of the former President, his military career, and his journey into politics.

According to Omole, Buhari found it strange that Osinbajo could contest against Tinubu in that manner.

Omole quoted Buhari as saying: “I don’t know Osinbajo from anywhere; I met him only through Tinubu.”

He wrote that Tinubu’s emergence was perceived as a reward for his role as a political godfather and financier of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

According to Omole, there was an anti-Tinubu consensus among a powerful cabal, but “ironically, Buhari’s strict enforcement of the rules may have indirectly aided Tinubu, as Buhari’s fastidiousness repeatedly thwarted the cabal’s plans to impose another candidate.”

He added: “Sources also said that Buhari was not impressed that Osinbajo did not consult him or seek his advice, but merely informed him of his intention.

“The President was quoted as wondering how his Vice President could go against his benefactor in such an open manner.”

Omole further revealed that A’isha Buhari’s support for Tinubu ahead of the 2023 election attracted the ire of the cabal, but said the former First Lady remained unperturbed.

“A’isha Buhari’s enthusiastic support for Tinubu’s candidacy challenged the powerful cabal. However, she remained unconcerned. Seeing her exuberance, Tinubu visited her and sought her assistance in organising the women’s campaign with his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu. She agreed, leading to the establishment of the APC Women’s Campaign Council,” he wrote.

On the consensus effort, Omole reiterated that Buhari personally blocked attempts to impose a candidate at the APC primary.