Babafemi Ojudu, a former Special Adviser on Political Matters to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, has revealed how he and other allies convinced President Bola Tinubu to decline an offer to serve as Minister of Finance during the late President Umaru Yar’Adua’s administration.
Speaking on the State Affairs podcast hosted by Edmund Obilo, Ojudu recounted how Tinubu had excitedly informed him of the offer, saying, “Congratulations to me,” prompting curiosity. When Ojudu inquired why, Tinubu explained, “President Yar’Adua has invited me to serve as Minister of Finance.”
As reported by Politics Nigeria, Ojudu said he immediately advised Tinubu against accepting the role, citing the potential political risks.
He reminded Tinubu of the fate of Bola Ige, a former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, who was assassinated under mysterious circumstances while serving in President Olusegun Obasanjo’s government.
“You are in the Action Congress. Are you not a student of history? Have you forgotten what happened to Bola Ige? You would be digging your political grave if you accept that type of job,” Ojudu said.
Rauf Aregbesola, a close ally and former Governor of Osun State, also opposed Tinubu’s acceptance of the position, warning that it could derail his long-term political ambitions. Despite contrary advice from a businessman who argued the role could be beneficial, Ojudu maintained that it posed significant dangers.
Ojudu further emphasized that the move could lead to Tinubu’s arrest, trial, and political neutralization, similar to what befell Bola Ige. He stressed that their vision for Tinubu extended far beyond a ministerial position in Yar’Adua’s government.
“Our dream for him was bigger than a ministerial position in Yar’Adua’s government. Nine months down the line, they would have arrested him, tried him, and finished him off—just like Bola Ige,” Ojudu concluded.
