Contrary to widespread speculation, late President Muhammadu Buhari did not endorse any aspirant ahead of the 2023 presidential primary of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Among those who contested the primary were the eventual winner, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; the then Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo; former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi; and former Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, among others.

However, before the primary, speculations were rife that Buhari had endorsed Lawan as the APC’s consensus candidate.

In a new book titled From Soldier to Statesman: The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari, written by Dr Charles Omole, the author revealed what transpired behind the scenes.

The book, launched at the Presidential Villa on Monday, was attended by President Tinubu, the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the wife of the late President, family members and close associates.

The book chronicles Buhari’s life from Daura, his military career and his transition into politics.

Omole wrote: “A presidency’s character is revealed in the way it treats elections—not in speeches, but in instructions to those who carry guns.”

He recalled a meeting involving the Inspector-General of Police, the National Security Adviser, Service Chiefs and the Director-General of the State Security Service, where Buhari insisted that Nigerians be allowed to vote freely.

According to the book, on the eve of the APC presidential primaries, influential figures attempted to use security agencies to impose Lawan as the consensus candidate.

“Alkali Baba refused,” Omole wrote. “The trio decided to seek an urgent audience with the President.”

“When they met Buhari and asked if there were any further instructions regarding the convention, he said there were none,” the book stated, dispelling claims of Buhari’s endorsement.