Babafemi Ojudu, former Special Adviser on Political Matters to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, has shared insights into a pivotal moment in Nigerian political history, revealing how he and other allies dissuaded President Bola Tinubu from accepting an offer to serve as Minister of Finance under the late President Umaru Yar’Adua.
In an interview on State Affairs, a podcast hosted by Edmund Obilo, Ojudu recounted that Tinubu had informed him one day about the offer from Yar’Adua to join his government of unity. However, Ojudu immediately raised concerns over the potential political dangers of such a decision, referencing the tragic assassination of Bola Ige, the former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, who was killed under controversial circumstances.
“I said, ‘You are in Action Congress. Are you not a student of history? Do you not see what happened to Bola Ige? You are digging your political grave if you accept that type of job,’” Ojudu recalled.
Supporting Ojudu’s caution, Rauf Aregbesola, a close ally of Tinubu and former Governor of Osun State, added his voice to the conversation, advising against the offer. Ojudu also emphasized that the risks of accepting the ministerial role outweighed any potential benefits, focusing on Tinubu’s political survival over short-term gains.
A businessman who was present at the time suggested that the job could benefit Tinubu, but Ojudu was firm in his stance, warning that it could ultimately lead to a politically disastrous outcome similar to the fate of Bola Ige.
Ojudu also addressed claims of betrayal during the 2023 presidential election, where he had supported former Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo over Tinubu for the APC ticket. He dismissed these allegations, insisting that their differing visions were not a personal issue.
“For me, loyalty to friendship is on a lesser scale than sacrifice for the country,” Ojudu stated, reaffirming his commitment to the broader vision of national progress.
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