Babafemi Ojudu, a former Special Adviser on Political Matters to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, has disclosed how he and Rauf Aregbesola played a crucial role in steering Bola Ahmed Tinubu away from accepting a ministerial appointment during the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua’s administration.
In a candid interview on the State Affairs podcast hosted by Edmund Obilo, Ojudu provided a detailed account of the pivotal discussions that ultimately influenced Tinubu’s decision to reject the offer of the Minister of Finance position.
Ojudu recalled the moment Tinubu informed him, saying, “Tinubu called me one day and said, ‘Congratulations to me.’ When I asked why, he revealed that Yar’Adua had invited him to join his cabinet as Minister of Finance. I immediately cautioned him, reminding him of the tragic fate of Bola Ige, who was assassinated while serving as a federal minister.”
At the time, Tinubu was the leader of the Action Congress (AC), an influential opposition party, and accepting the ministerial role could have had serious political consequences. Ojudu stressed, “You are digging your political grave if you accept that type of job.”
Rauf Aregbesola, a trusted ally of Tinubu and former Governor of Osun State, also contributed his voice during these discussions. Ojudu recounted Aregbesola’s position, stating, “Femi is right; that is not a job to take,” further reinforcing their shared belief that accepting the position could pose long-term risks.
Despite some internal disagreements within Tinubu’s circle—particularly from a businessman who argued that the immediate financial and political gains from such an appointment might outweigh the risks—Ojudu and Aregbesola remained steadfast. They believed that Tinubu’s political aspirations extended far beyond a ministerial role.
Ojudu explained their reasoning: “He is our leader. Our dream for him is bigger than him becoming a minister in Yar’Adua’s government. Nine months down the line, they would arrest him, try him, and finish him off—the way they did to Bola Ige.”
Ojudu’s warning was grounded in the fear that Tinubu could suffer a fate similar to that of Bola Ige, who was assassinated while serving as a minister during a volatile political period. Their counsel helped ensure that Tinubu did not take a path that could have potentially ended his political career.
Tinubu, who heeded their advice, ultimately rejected the ministerial appointment. This decision, many argue, preserved his political future and laid the foundation for his eventual emergence as Nigeria’s President in the 2023 elections.
Ojudu’s revelations highlight the strategic decisions that shaped Tinubu’s political journey, demonstrating the critical role played by key allies in safeguarding his ambitions amidst a complex and challenging political landscape.
