A political strategist and Convener of the Game Changer Group, Bolaji Rilwan Raji, has attributed the rise and dominance of cabals in government to how leaders understand and manage power, saying unchecked delegation often creates shadow centres of authority that undermine governance.
Raji, who spoke in an interview with Sunday Sun, traced the evolution of cabals across successive administrations, offering insider accounts of how power blocs shaped decision-making and influenced the 2023 general election.
According to Raji, the formation of cabals depends largely on whether a leader practises controlled delegation or relinquishes power without oversight.
He cited Olusegun Obasanjo as an example of a leader who curtailed the rise of cabals.
Raji stated, “The formation of a cabal hinges on a leader’s understanding of power dynamics, specifically the distinction between sharing and controlled delegation. Olusegun Obasanjo, for example, favoured controlled delegation, preventing any potential cabal leaders from gaining significant influence. Yar’adua’s tenure was cut short by ill health and death, but figures like Bukola Saraki and James Ibori were prominent. In contrast, Goodluck Jonathan, despite his patriotism, entrusted significant power to aides who sometimes abused it, leading to the rise of competing power blocs and a formidable cabal. Under President Buhari, this phenomenon reached unprecedented levels, with a cabal becoming the de facto ruler. As someone married into the Buhari family, I have witnessed this firsthand. Initially, the cabal consisted of two individuals, but President Buhari’s ill health and the death of Chief of Staff Abba Kyari led to the emergence of multiple cabals, the primary one being ‘G5+1’ with various subsets. Similar cabals also formed within the National Assembly, including a Yoruba cabal.”
Raji said the phenomenon reached its peak under Muhammadu Buhari, whom he said presided over a government effectively run by unelected power brokers.
He said, “Internal power struggles and conflicting agendas plagued the lead-up to the election. The G5 + 1 faction initially favoured Atiku Abubakar or former President Goodluck Jonathan, while a cabal within the National Assembly and party leadership pushed for Ahmed Lawan. The Yoruba cabal supported Yemi Osinbajo. A member of the G5 + 1, secretly vying for the vice presidency, attempted to bring Jonathan into the race. When this failed, he rejoined the G5+1 in supporting the PDP candidate. The other +1 to make G5+1 +1, which was meant to include a top security official (+1), ultimately faltered, perhaps due to the official’s awareness of President Buhari’s preferences. The Yoruba cabal, misled by the G5, encouraged Osinbajo to contest against the eventual winner, believing Buhari would not support Asiwaju, a ploy to weaken Yoruba chances. Despite the cabals’ machinations, President Buhari remained steadfast in his integrity and commitment. Sensing the situation, I contacted the President’s son, Seyi Tinubu and took him to a close confidante of President Buhari, his sister, Hajia Rakiya, to appeal to the President. Evidence supports this account.
“To garner support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, I reached out to various people, including former President Goodluck Jonathan, whom I visited through his nephew, Abila. I must acknowledge President Jonathan’s remarkable humility and dedication to Nigeria’s betterment. He provided the venue and time, but Seyi, the president’s son, with whom I was to go, was delayed and could not relay the information for over two hours due to unforeseen circumstances. To my surprise, President Jonathan was still waiting patiently. Upon my arrival, instead of anger, he simply smiled and advised, ‘Bolaji, learn to manage your time well,’ and even offered me a drink through Abila.
Without that kindness, I doubt if I would have found the courage to discuss my mission, given the impression that President Tinubu opposed his second term. I prostrated before him, but he insisted I stand. I passionately pleaded with him not to be offended by my request to support my uncle. He asked who my uncle was, and I nervously replied, ‘Chief Bola Ahmed Tinubu.’ His expression shifted, and after a moment of reflection, before he could speak, I acknowledged his position as a PDP leader. Surprisingly, he responded that he was now ‘a statesman, and if supporting Asiwaju would bring growth, development and security to Nigeria’, he would support it. His wisdom gave me hope, and I left with joy. I thank him for his support.”
Post a Comment