- Former President Buhari hinted at the influence of a political “cabal” during his administration in a recent interview
- Buhari acknowledged the plausibility of a powerful group manipulating affairs but emphasized his commitment to integrity and service
In a recent interview with the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA), former President Muhammadu Buhari hinted that a powerful political clique, commonly referred to as a “cabal,” might have exerted influence over his eight-year administration.
The term “cabal” denotes a group that wields significant political power, often manipulating affairs for personal gain at the expense of the people.
Addressing the possibility of his government being swayed by such a group, Buhari acknowledged that the insinuations were plausible. The notion was initially raised by his former First Lady, Aisha Buhari, in 2016, though the ex-president downplayed it at the time. In the recent NTA interview, when confronted with the question again, Buhari admitted, “it must have been.”
He emphasized that he was uncertain whether anyone who violated the law was allowed to escape consequences. Reflecting on his tenure, Buhari remarked, “God gave me the opportunity to serve my country, but I did my best. But whether my best was good enough, I leave for people to judge.”
Buhari also disclosed that his primary focus during his presidency was addressing domestic concerns, particularly the challenge of securing the country. He emphasized his decision not to compete with Nigeria’s wealthy class by accumulating assets like land, houses, and cars during his leadership. This choice, he asserted, contributed to his peaceful post-government life.
The former president pointed out that some individuals attempted to set traps for him by presenting certain opportunities, but he avoided falling into them. Buhari explained that he was aware that compromising his integrity could be exploited to the detriment of the country.