Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has revealed that former President Muhammadu Buhari relied on his relationship with President Bola Tinubu and APC founding chieftain, Bisi Akande, to help manage political relationships with Yoruba leaders.
Lawal made the disclosure during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme on Monday.
The former SGF said Buhari recognised his close ties with Tinubu and Akande and believed he could help bridge communication with the Yoruba political establishment.
According to Lawal, despite the role he played, Buhari later removed him from office, although both men eventually repaired their relationship.
“Buhari never let me go, he threw me under the bus but we later became okay. He would call me and we would gist. He would ask me what I think about this and that,” Lawal said.
He added that Buhari’s decision to engage him was partly influenced by his relationship with key Yoruba political figures.
“It seems like it’s because of my relationship with Bola and Bisi Akande that he could use me to manage the Yorubas whom he found difficult to manage, and of course I tried my best,” he said.
Lawal served as Secretary to the Government of the Federation under Buhari from August 2015 until his removal in October 2017.
His exit followed a Senate investigation into allegations surrounding a controversial contract under the Presidential Initiative on the North East (PINE), which he supervised.
The Senate ad hoc committee had accused him of abusing his office and approving contracts linked to a company in which he allegedly had an interest.
The controversy centred on a contract reportedly valued at over N500 million for clearing invasive vegetation in Yobe State to reduce flooding risks in communities affected by the humanitarian crisis in the North-East.
Lawal was suspended by Buhari in April 2017 before his appointment was formally terminated in October of the same year. He was later replaced by Boss Mustapha.
Reflecting on his relationship with Buhari after leaving office, Lawal said their personal bond survived the political fallout.
“There was still clearly some sort of human relationship. Somehow there is an unwritten relationship between us and Buhari,” he said.
He noted that although their political journey experienced difficulties, the former president continued to seek his views on national issues.
Lawal’s comments come amid renewed political activity ahead of the 2027 general elections, where he has remained involved in discussions around opposition alliances and political realignments.
