Buhari merger vote strategy added 3.2 million votes to his total in 2015, ensuring historic defeat of an incumbent for the first time in Nigerian politics
Buhari merger vote strategy played a pivotal role in his landmark victory during the 2015 general election, according to former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha.
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While delivering a lecture in Abuja, Mustapha revealed that the political union formed in 2013 added 3.2 million votes to Muhammadu Buhari’s total, ensuring a breakthrough against the then-incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan.
Speaking at the public presentation of According to the President, a memoir by Garba Shehu, Buhari’s former spokesman, Mustapha described the merger as a bold and strategic move.
“The merger in 2013 was midwife to present a Buhari or create a Buhari Presidency,” he said during the event.
The coalition included the Action Congress of Nigeria led by Bola Tinubu, the new Peoples Democratic Party faction, the Congress for Progressive Change headed by Buhari, and other parties like the All Nigeria Peoples Party.
Together, they formed the All Progressives Congress, which eventually became Nigeria’s ruling party.
Buhari had previously contested for the presidency three times, securing 12.7 million votes in 2003, 6.6 million in 2007, and 12.2 million in 2011.
Mustapha explained that the merger was designed to capitalise on Buhari’s consistent vote base and supplement it with fresh electoral strength from allied parties.
He noted that though the CPC controlled just one state, the ACN had six, and the ANPP three, their combined effort added millions of votes.
“The total votes that gave us the presidency in 2015 was 15.4 million. Out of that, Buhari already had 12.2 million. What we brought to the table was 3.2 million votes,” Mustapha clarified.
The event was attended by key political figures including former Vice Presidents Yemi Osinbajo and Atiku Abubakar, ex-ministers, former state governors, and presidential aides.
Buhari’s former Chief of Staff, Prof Ibrahim Gambari, and current President Bola Tinubu were also represented.
Tinubu, through Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, acknowledged Buhari’s leadership during his presidency.
He credited him for anchoring the nation’s governance on principles of integrity, accountability, and prudence. Tinubu pledged to continue the reform agenda Buhari initiated.
“Under his stewardship, Nigeria witnessed a decisive push to confront insecurity, a serious commitment to infrastructure renewal, and a clear effort to sanitise the public sector,” Tinubu noted.
He also pointed to key achievements including road and rail projects, and the promotion of self-reliance and agriculture.
Mustapha emphasised Buhari’s temperament and discipline, arguing that the former president governed with calm and strength, even under pressure.
“Buhari’s leadership was not about finality, but about setting things in motion; reforms that could outlast him,” he said.
Gowon also highlighted Buhari’s modest lifestyle, citing a story from the book in which Buhari rejected a proposed increase to the State House catering budget.
“He screamed when told the budget was N10 million and insisted it be reduced,” Gowon recounted.
He urged Nigerians to support the Armed Forces and acknowledge Buhari’s dedication to the nation.
“No matter the misconceptions about Gen Buhari, you can’t take away the fact that he has the firm interest of Nigeria at heart,” he said.
Garba Shehu’s memoir sheds light on the inner workings of the Buhari administration, offering insights into the former president’s communication strategy and decision-making.
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The event celebrated not just the book, but the legacy of a political strategy that changed Nigeria’s democratic trajectory.
