A new book, “From Soldier to Statesman: The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari” by Dr. Charles Omole, has disclosed that some influential aides of former President Muhammadu Buhari attempted to manipulate the 2023 APC presidential primaries by issuing “fake presidential orders” to top security officials, including the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Director-General of the DSS, and Director-General of the NIA, to endorse then-Senate President Ahmad Lawan as the party’s preferred candidate.

The book launch, held at the State House Conference Hall, Abuja, was attended by President Bola Tinubu, Gambian President Adama Barrow, former First Lady Aisha Buhari, and other dignitaries.

Security Chiefs Refused to Follow Fake Orders

The former IGP, Alkali Baba, recounted that on the eve of the primaries, aides close to Buhari approached the security chiefs with a purported presidential order to ensure Lawan’s nomination.

• Baba and his colleagues refused to comply and sought clarification from the President himself.
• Buhari reportedly denied endorsing any candidate, reiterating that Nigerians should choose freely and that security services were not to be used as political tools.
• The IGP then informed those trying to manipulate the situation that the President had no preferred candidate, foiling the scheme.

Aisha Buhari’s Role in DSS Leadership Change

The book also highlights the removal of Lawal Daura as DSS DG, revealing that the former First Lady Aisha Buhari was a major instigator of the move.

• When then-Vice President Yemi Osinbajo acted as President, he removed Daura, prompting pressure for Buhari to intervene.
• Buhari respected institutional authority and did not countermand Osinbajo’s decision.

Family Dispute and Gunfire at the Villa

The book recounts a violent incident in the Presidential Villa, triggered by a family dispute, in which a policeman attached to the First Lady fired shots.

• Buhari’s Chief Security Officer, Abubakar Idris, arrested the officer.
• The President reportedly held family members accountable, demonstrating that blood ties did not shield misconduct.