Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Babachir Lawal, has revealed why late former President Muhammadu Buhari did not openly support President Bola Tinubu during the All Progressives Congress, APC, presidential primary ahead of the 2023 general election.

Lawal said Buhari was initially reluctant to back Tinubu because of concerns about his suitability but eventually agreed to remain neutral after a discussion with him.

The former SGF suggested that Buhari initially didn’t want to hand over to Tinubu because of religious and ethical principles.

He made the disclosure during an interview with Symfoni TV released on Saturday.

According to Lawal, Tinubu had played a significant role in previous APC campaigns by providing resources and political strategists, making it difficult for Buhari to oppose his presidential ambition.

“Bola Tinubu brought people and we coarced him to change the trajectory of the campaign through those his people.

“Buhari is a human and he’s a decent guy. So I am the only person that confront him with these facts.

“He will not say I don’t know. He would not say it’s a rumour because I was there.

“So why would he deny him (Tinubu)? Why would… in the end he said okay,” Lawal said.

The former SGF said that ahead of the APC presidential convention, he proposed that Buhari should remain neutral and allow party delegates to determine the party’s candidate.

“As we were going to the convention, I said, ‘Oga’, let’s make a deal. I said look, this man (Tinubu), we now know that on the basis of your religion and your ethics and your upbringing, you don’t want to hand over to this man, but he has helped us get here.

“So there’s no way. Let’s make a deal. Stay neutral and allow me to run the process.

“If we go to the convention and the party faithfuls defeat him, so be it. Your hand is not in it.”

Lawal said Buhari rejected the proposal at first, insisting that he would ensure Tinubu emerged as the APC candidate if left to manage the process.

“But Buhari said that’s not an excuse. I know you, you will give Bola Tinubu this ticket.

“I say, are you God now, sir?

“Buhari said, no, you started with me since 2002. So I know how you work. I know your methodologies. That man, if I leave him to you, he’ll get the ticket.”

Lawal said he argued that even if Tinubu secured the APC ticket, the outcome of the general election would ultimately be decided by Nigerians.

“I say, okay, okay, granted. If he gets the ticket, it means you are now a prophet. However, you’re ascribing to me qualities I don’t have.

“But let’s assume it happens. Supposing the general election rejects him, is that you?”

According to Lawal, Buhari also raised concerns about whether Tinubu would treat members of their political camp fairly if elected president.

“He mentioned some things. This man, is he going to be fair to our people? Is he going to be this?

“I said, yes, as long as I’m there, you know, I can checkmate him.

“He said, ‘Okay, deal.’”

Anthony Joshua made a dramatic return to the ring on Saturday night, overcoming an early scare to stop Kristian Prenga by knockout before dedicating the emotional victory to his late friends, Sina and Latz.

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The former two-time heavyweight world champion was floored twice inside the opening round after Prenga landed a stunning combination that briefly threatened to end the contest.

However, Joshua showed remarkable resilience, recovered from the knockdowns, and turned the fight around in emphatic fashion.

In the second round, the British-Nigerian heavyweight unleashed a devastating barrage of punches before connecting with a crushing right hook that sent Prenga crashing down for the knockout victory.

An emotional Joshua struggled to contain his feelings during his post-fight interview, pausing to say, “That was Latz, that was Sina,” as he dedicated the win to his departed friends.

Addressing the crowd, Joshua thanked God, his supporters, promoter Eddie Hearn, and Prenga’s team for the opportunity.

“First of all, I want to say thank you to everyone who came out this evening. I appreciate it a lot. I want to give a massive thank you to Prenga and his team for putting up a good fight. It means a lot to them and it means a lot to me,” Joshua said.

“I want to give thanks to God. It was more than me in that situation. It can’t just be me in those type of situations. There is a higher power that is calling.”

Joshua also turned his attention to long-time rival Tyson Fury, fueling speculation that the long-awaited all-British heavyweight clash is finally set to happen.

“Hold on, wait a minute. Have we got Tyson Fury in the room?” Joshua joked before adding, “I respect everything he has done and everything that he has achieved, but as a fighting person, we’re here now. I hope the fans will be in for a lovely treat.”

Promoter Eddie Hearn further intensified expectations by revealing that the fight between Joshua and Fury has already been signed, with an official announcement expected soon.

The victory marks another significant step in Joshua’s comeback and sets the stage for one of the biggest heavyweight contests in boxing history, as fans eagerly await confirmation of a blockbuster showdown with Fury.