The Presidency has denied reports suggesting a rift between former President Muhammadu Buhari and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing such claims as “unfounded” and “the product of political mischief-makers.”
In a statement issued on Monday, Garba Shehu, former Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to President Buhari, said recent speculation about a fallout between the two leaders is baseless and aimed at sowing discord within the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“It is absolutely false to claim that there is any bad blood between former President Buhari and President Tinubu,” Shehu stated. “The two leaders maintain a cordial relationship, built over years of shared political struggle and mutual respect.”
Shehu’s remarks follow a wave of social media commentary and online publications that insinuated Buhari was displeased with Tinubu’s governance style and policy direction. Some of the claims cited Buhari’s recent absence from major APC events and his silence on national issues as evidence of growing disapproval.
However, Shehu insisted that Buhari, now retired in Daura, Katsina State, has deliberately stepped back from partisan politics and public commentary in line with his pledge to give his successor full autonomy.
“President Buhari made it clear before leaving office that he would not interfere with the affairs of the current administration. His silence is not disapproval—it is a deliberate choice to allow his successor the space to lead,” Shehu added.
The statement urged Nigerians and the media to focus on constructive dialogue and nation-building rather than fueling conspiracy theories.
Political analysts note that while differences in leadership style between Buhari and Tinubu are natural, they do not necessarily indicate a falling-out. Many view Shehu’s clarification as a strategic move to maintain unity within the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Neither President Tinubu nor former President Buhari has issued a personal statement on the matter.
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