Former presidential spokesperson, Mallam Garba Shehu, has opened up on several controversial issues that defined the eight-year administration of ex-President Muhammadu Buhari.
In a recent interview aired on Channels Television, Shehu spoke on the inner workings of Aso Rock from 2015 to 2023, including the issue of cabals, Buhari’s relationship with political leaders, and the infamous “rat story” that made headlines nationwide.
Life After the Villa
Garba Shehu said life has been more peaceful since leaving the presidency, noting that the heavy burden of public scrutiny is now gone. He admitted to occasionally speaking for the former President and his family but no longer operates in any official capacity.
From Atiku to Buhari
On how he transitioned from working closely with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to becoming Buhari’s spokesman, Shehu said he was asked by key political stakeholders to support Buhari after the APC primary in 2015. According to him, “All the candidates who lost to Buhari in the primary, including Bola Tinubu, agreed to work for him, and I was graciously appointed to lead his media team.”
Working With Femi Adesina
Speaking on his relationship with fellow presidential aide, Femi Adesina, Shehu said both men worked harmoniously without rivalry. “It was like two men sharing one wife and not fighting,” he said humorously. He noted that their cooperation extended beyond the Villa, with each supporting the other’s events and public engagements.
The “Rat” in the Room
Addressing the controversial story that rats destroyed cables in the President’s office, Shehu said the incident truly happened but was presented in a way to quell public concern. “It was a spin that backfired,” he admitted, saying the explanation was meant to manage speculation over Buhari’s prolonged absence from the office after a medical trip abroad.
Health and Air Conditioner Rumours
Shehu denied reports that something placed on the air conditioner made President Buhari sick. He also refused to disclose the nature of Buhari’s illness, citing medical privacy. “His health issue was never discussed with me, and I never asked. Medical records are private,” he said.
No Cabal in Aso Rock
Dismissing long-standing rumours of a cabal running the presidency, Shehu described such claims as “nonsense.” According to him, Buhari was a strong-willed leader who took orders from no one. “He was a general and always acted independently. Nobody could force him into decisions,” he stated.
On Buhari’s Accessibility
Contrary to claims that Buhari was inaccessible during his tenure, Shehu described him as “probably the most accessible President Nigeria ever had.” He said Buhari maintained an open-door policy, and stories about ministers being unable to see him were untrue.
2023 Politics: Atiku vs Tinubu
Reacting to allegations that Buhari supported Atiku Abubakar against Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the 2023 elections, Shehu dismissed the claims as fiction. “Tinubu himself told me Buhari allowed him to win in a free and fair election,” he said.
He added that although many aspirants consulted Buhari ahead of the APC primary, the former President did not stop anyone from contesting. “He gave all of them a certificate of no objection,” he noted.
On Presidential Media Silence
Explaining why Buhari was not keen on media chats, Shehu said the format suited personalities like Obasanjo but not Buhari, who preferred to work quietly behind the scenes. “Buhari was not a showman,” he explained.
Comparing Atiku and Buhari
Shehu revealed that working under Atiku was like being in constant battle against internal sabotage, while Buhari’s administration, though also under attack, had the advantage of state infrastructure to respond.
One Regret
If given the chance, Shehu said he would have done more to speak on behalf of the president. However, he acknowledged that perception issues and internal resistance affected his full delivery in office.
Final Word
Reflecting on his time in power, Shehu said his biggest lesson was understanding that holding public office exposes individuals to harsh criticism and misconceptions. Despite this, he expressed pride in the opportunity to serve the nation at the highest level of communication.
