In a recent disclosure, Sunday Dare outlines the crucial role Bola Tinubu played in securing Buhari’s presidential win, shedding light on the alliance that shaped Nigeria’s political landscape.
Sunday Dare, Special Adviser on Public Communications and Orientation to President Bola Tinubu, has praised Tinubu’s contribution to the electoral success of then-President Muhammadu Buhari.
Before his 2015 election victory, Buhari had experienced three unsuccessful presidential campaigns in 2003, 2007, and 2011. His triumph in 2015 was a result of merging his Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) with Tinubu’s Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and other parties to create the All Progressives Congress (APC), which ultimately ousted the then-ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
During an appearance on Channels Television’s program “Politics Today,” Dare commented on Tinubu’s crucial contribution, stating that Buhari’s election would not have been achievable without Tinubu’s influence.
READ ALSO: Former US Diplomat Questions Tinubu Govt’s Response to Bandit Incursions
He stated, “Considering the significant role that Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu played in Muhammadu Buhari’s rise to presidency—particularly his contributions in forming the party and establishing a platform—it is evident that without Tinubu’s involvement, President Buhari would not have emerged.”
When questioned about whether he supported Buhari as the APC’s presidential candidate at that time, Dare confirmed that it was a joint effort.
“It wasn’t just me; it was a team effort. The electoral victories we achieved in 2015 and again in 2019 bore the influence of President Tinubu. Our party consists of many individuals, and besides myself, several others were also involved,” he explained.
Dare, who was the Minister of Sports and Youth Development during Buhari’s administration, chose not to directly address the former president’s legacy. Instead, he highlighted the importance of continuity in governance.
“Buhari came, contributed his part, and moved on. President Obasanjo made his contributions and departed as well. Yar’adua also arrived, did what he could, then left. Jonathan followed suit by doing his bit before moving on,” he remarked while highlighting that Tinubu’s boldness in addressing difficult issues like subsidy removal deserves acknowledgment.
