Former Special Adviser to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, Babafemi Ojudu, has shared an intriguing story about how he and other allies convinced President Bola Tinubu to reject an offer to serve as Minister of Finance under late President Umaru Yar’Adua.
Speaking on the podcast State Affairs, hosted by Edmund Obilo, Ojudu recounted Tinubu’s initial excitement when Yar’Adua proposed the idea of a government of national unity with Tinubu as the Finance Minister.
“Tinubu called me one day and said, ‘Congratulations to me,’” Ojudu began. “When I asked what for, he told me Yar’Adua had asked him to join his government as the Minister of Finance.”
Ojudu, however, strongly advised against it, citing the political risks and the infamous fate of Bola Ige, a former attorney general who was assassinated while serving in government.
“I told him, ‘You are in Action Congress. Don’t you remember what happened to Bola Ige? Accepting that role would be political suicide,’” Ojudu revealed.
Another ally, former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, joined the discussion and echoed Ojudu’s sentiments, urging Tinubu to decline the offer.
“Rauf walked in and said, ‘Femi is right; that is not a job to take,’” Ojudu added.
Their collective effort, he noted, was aimed at safeguarding Tinubu’s political career and setting the stage for his eventual rise to leadership.
Ojudu also addressed criticisms regarding his support for Yemi Osinbajo during the 2023 presidential primaries, insisting that his decision was rooted in national interest rather than personal loyalty.
“For me, loyalty to friendship is secondary to the sacrifice for the country,” Ojudu explained, defending his stance