Professor Ibrahim Gambari, who once served as Chief of Staff to the late ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, has revealed how influential insiders within the presidency took advantage of Buhari's vulnerabilities. These individuals managed to circumvent official procedures and have memos approved without his knowledge.
"They were aware of his vulnerable moments and knew the right time to smuggle memos because they understood him well through informal interactions," Gambari stated during an appearance on Channels Television’s Inside Sources program on Friday.
Gambari, an experienced diplomat and former United Nations special envoy, held the position of Buhari's chief of staff from May 13, 2020, until the administration concluded on May 29, 2023. He assumed the role after his predecessor Abba Kyari passed away.
Reflecting on his experience, Gambari recalled Buhari's initial instruction that all memos must go through the Chief of Staff before reaching him.
When I assumed the role of Chief of Staff to the President, he publicly announced that all memos were required to pass through me before reaching him.
He explained, "To his credit, even the Vice President (Yemi Osinbajo) always submitted his memos through me and several ministers. However, some individuals still managed to bypass us and send their memos directly to him by exploiting his known weaknesses. Despite this, I had the advantage of receiving those memos back."
Gambari also paid a personal tribute to the late president, who died on July 13, 2025. He described him as a compassionate leader who was hesitant to dismiss cabinet members, even amid strong public calls for such actions.
He confirmed that a tight-knit group had considerable influence over Buhari's decisions, though he stated they operated within certain limits.
"They were aware of their boundaries," he stated.
Gambari notes that powerful inner circles are common in presidential systems.
"They claim there was a cabal, and indeed, there was. Every government has its own inner circle. It might be referred to as a kitchen cabinet or labeled as a think tank."
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo had a select group of individuals—like the Aboyades and others. Given the nature of the presidency, it is essential to have certain trusted people both inside and outside of government with whom he could confide openly and speak freely.
"While some governments have more influence than others, I firmly believe that every government has its own version of a cabal, regardless of the name it's given. Therefore, there was indeed such a group under Buhari."
The seasoned diplomat also reflected on the power dynamics during Buhari's previous tenure as military leader from 1984 to 1985.
"I served as a minister from 1984 to 1985, but I wasn't aware of the reasons behind his removal by colleagues. Despite being appointed by them, one reason I've heard is that military personnel were displeased with Head of State Buhari receiving extensive advice and second-guessing decisions made by the Supreme Military Council."
Buhari, born on December 17, 1942, initially governed Nigeria as a military leader before being elected president in 2015. After serving two full terms, he transferred power to his successor Bola Tinubu in May 2023. He passed away in London on Sunday and was laid to rest in Daura, Katsina State on Tuesday.
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