Gambari: Buhari Had a Cabal, but Their Powers Were Exaggerated

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation and retired diplomat, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, has reflected on governance under former President Muhammadu Buhari, saying the influence of the so-called cabal during his administration was often overstated.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday night, Gambari explained that every president operates with a close inner circle, sometimes referred to as a cabal, inner caucus or trusted aides. According to him, such groups consist of people close to the president who share experiences with him and can speak frankly. However, he said their powers are frequently exaggerated in public discourse.

Gambari noted that under Buhari, those labelled as members of the cabal clearly understood their boundaries and did not overstep them. He described Buhari’s leadership style as one marked by “creative stubbornness,” likening it to that of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, and said this ensured that ultimate authority remained firmly with the president.

He also dismissed the long-running conspiracy theory that Buhari was replaced by a body double known as “Jibril of Sudan,” describing it as baseless. Gambari said Buhari regularly spoke in detail about events from the 1980s, leaving no doubt in his mind that he was the same Buhari he had known since 1984.

Concluding, Gambari stressed that effective leadership depends heavily on the quality of those around the president. He noted that while a leader sets the tone, the competence and loyalty of aides and advisers play a crucial role in determining how well a presidency performs.