Adesina Reveals Buhari’s Reluctance to Recognize Saraki, Dogara’s Rise Amid 2015 Political Storm

Femi Adesina, former Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to late President Muhammadu Buhari, has disclosed a behind-the-scenes moment of political tension during the early days of the Buhari administration. According to iReporter Online, Adesina recounted how Buhari was initially opposed to congratulating Bukola Saraki and Yakubu Dogara following their unexpected emergence as Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives in 2015—an outcome that went against the will of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Adesina, who had barely spent nine days in office as presidential spokesman at the time, shared the experience in a tribute to his late principal. He recalled that the political upset, which saw Saraki and Dogara rise to power through a coalition that sidelined the APC’s preferred candidates, presented a difficult moment that tested his resolve between loyalty and professional duty.

According to iReporter Online, Adesina told Buhari that issuing a congratulatory message was crucial to avoid portraying the president as undemocratic, especially given the constitutional legitimacy of their election. However, Buhari initially resisted. “He said no, I also said no. I said it would portray him as undemocratic,” Adesina revealed, describing the tense exchange.

Eventually, Buhari conceded and agreed that a public statement be released. According to iReporter Online, Adesina noted that the president insisted on personally adding a single word to the final draft, a gesture that reflected both Buhari’s insistence on control and his willingness to listen to reason.

In reflection, Adesina praised Buhari’s integrity and flexibility in leadership, highlighting how the former president valued persuasion over pride when properly convinced. “Keeping to his word is part of the famed integrity. Argue with me. If you have a better point, I’ll agree with you,” he added.

This insight offers a rare glimpse into the dynamics of power, principle, and political reality within Nigeria’s presidency at a critical turning point in the nation’s democratic journey.