…Ex-SGF Boss Mustapha Actually Praises Tinubu’s Role in Buhari’s Presidency
Recent reports by Vanguard, BusinessDay, and other Nigerian media outlets claiming that former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, stated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu “made” former President Muhammadu Buhari president have been debunked.
A review of Mustapha’s lecture at the book launch of According to the President by Garba Shehu, held at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, confirms that no such statement was made. Instead, Mustapha praised Tinubu for his role in supporting Buhari’s administration and consolidating its reforms.
In his lecture themed President Muhammadu Buhari’s Contribution to National Development, Mustapha highlighted Buhari’s legacy of institutional reforms, including the Petroleum Industry Act, infrastructure development, and the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP).
He emphasized Buhari’s leadership style, which prioritized systemic governance over personal acclaim, noting, “President Buhari governed with duty rather than drama. He was driven by principles, not applause.”
Mustapha acknowledged Tinubu’s contributions as a key figure in the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC), which facilitated Buhari’s 2015 electoral victory—the first democratic defeat of an incumbent ruling party in Nigeria’s history.
However, he did not claim Tinubu “made” Buhari president. Instead, he credited Tinubu, alongside other party leaders like Senator Ali Modu Sherif, for lending credibility and direction to the APC merger, which unified factions and paved the way for Buhari’s presidency.
Addressing the current administration, Mustapha commended Tinubu for sustaining and expanding Buhari’s reforms. He cited the evolution of the Central Delivery Coordination Unit (CDCU) into the Central Results Delivery and Coordination Unit (CRDCU) and the continued implementation of the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP) as evidence of Tinubu’s commitment to systemic governance.
He also praised Tinubu’s policies on electricity deregulation, tax reforms, and the gazetting of operational procedures for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which build on Buhari’s foundational work in regional economic integration.
Mustapha further highlighted Buhari’s leadership during challenging periods, such as his medical leaves, which demonstrated a commitment to constitutional order by delegating authority to the Vice President. He described these moments as reflective of Buhari’s preference for “leadership by structure.”
The misrepresentation by some media houses appears to stem from a misinterpretation of Mustapha’s remarks about Tinubu’s role in the APC’s formation and his ongoing support for Buhari’s reform agenda.
Mustapha’s lecture focused on continuity and institutional progress under the APC, not on attributing Buhari’s presidency solely to Tinubu.
This fact-check underscores the importance of accurate reporting, particularly on sensitive political matters. Nigerians are urged to verify claims through primary sources, such as Mustapha’s full lecture, to avoid misinformation.
The book According to the President was presented as a reflection on Buhari’s tenure, emphasizing his institutional contributions and the ongoing reform efforts under Tinubu’s leadership.