Boss Mustapha dismisses Tinubu as the kingmaker in 2015, insisting Buhari already had 12 million votes before party mergers added 3 million more
Boss Mustapha dismisses Tinubu as the central force behind Muhammadu Buhari’s 2015 presidential victory, stating that the former president already commanded a formidable voting base before the merger that birthed the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Also read: Buhari Merger Vote Strategy Sparked Unforgettable 2015 Political Earthquake
Speaking in Abuja at the launch of ‘According to the President’, a memoir by former presidential spokesperson Garba Shehu, the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation argued that Buhari’s 12.2 million existing votes—secured consistently over three previous election cycles—were the true foundation of the APC’s success in 2015.
“When you sum up the total votes that gave us victory in 2015, the aggregate was 15.4 million,” Mustapha said.
“What the merger brought to the table in addition to Buhari’s 12.2 million votes were just 3.2 million. So the myth that one person made Buhari president is simply not accurate.”
He emphasised that Buhari’s popularity was not manufactured by any individual or political alliance, but had been tested and proven across three electoral contests prior to 2015.
The former SGF, who served during Buhari’s second term, used the occasion to commend his former principal for laying the groundwork for reforms now being implemented by President Tinubu.
He also praised Buhari’s consistency, discipline, and “institutional approach to governance.”
President Bola Tinubu, who was represented by Secretary to the Government of the Federation Senator George Akume at the event, acknowledged Buhari’s contributions, saying, “Nation building is a relay. The effort of one administration lays the foundation for the next. In this regard, I appreciate President Buhari’s efforts and assure Nigerians that the reform-oriented path will be consolidated under this administration.”
The book launch attracted a high-profile audience including former Head of State Yakubu Gowon, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. Others in attendance were former Chief of Staff to Buhari, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, and Buhari’s former spokesperson Femi Adesina.
What the merger brought to the table in addition to Buhari’s 12.2 million votes were just 3.2 million.
In his remarks, Professor Gambari called for a more thoughtful process in selecting Nigerian presidents and state governors, stressing that credibility and competence must override regional or partisan sentiments.
While the event centred on Garba Shehu’s account of his experience as a presidential spokesman, the larger conversation veered into reflections on the legacy of Buhari’s eight-year tenure and the transition to the Tinubu administration.
Mustapha’s blunt dismissal of Tinubu’s supposed kingmaker role comes at a time of growing tension within the APC over leadership history and legacy claims.
Some supporters of the president have repeatedly credited Tinubu with engineering the 2015 breakthrough that ended the 16-year rule of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
However, Mustapha’s intervention appears aimed at correcting the narrative and reasserting Buhari’s political stature as an independent electoral force prior to the APC coalition.
“The truth is that Buhari was never a political lightweight who needed anyone to win. The numbers were already there. What the merger did was simply consolidate an already solid base,” Mustapha added.
The new book by Shehu documents his years as Buhari’s spokesperson and offers rare insight into the internal workings of the presidency.
It also highlights key decisions, media strategies, and communication challenges faced during critical national moments.
According to Shehu, the book is intended to serve as a historical and professional reference for future generations of media professionals and public officeholders.
Also read: ADC Accuses Tinubu, APC of Plot to Silence Opposition Voices Nationwide
With the 2027 elections drawing closer and political camps seeking to shape legacy debates, Mustapha’s comments are likely to rekindle old rivalries and force deeper reflection within Nigeria’s ruling party.
