Former Chief of Staff to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, has said the existence of cabals is inevitable in every government, stressing that no leader operates without an inner circle of trusted aides.
Gambari made the disclosure during an interview on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme monitored on Monday, while reflecting on the legacy of the Buhari administration.
He explained that presidents are largely shaped by the quality of people around them, noting that some advisers choose to tell leaders only what they want to hear, rather than what they need to know.
“A president can only be as good as the people who support him — people whose loyalty places national interest above personal gain,” Gambari said.
“Every president has what you may call a cabal, inner circle or inner caucus — people who share experiences, perceptions of the future and who can speak frankly to the leader. Sadly, some cabals tell the president what he wants to hear, not what he needs to hear.”
The former diplomat, however, dismissed claims that shadowy power blocs hijacked decision-making under Buhari, insisting that the ex-president maintained firm control of his government.
According to him, although certain individuals were often described as powerful cabals during Buhari’s tenure, their influence was frequently exaggerated.
“Sometimes, more powers are ascribed to these cabals than is actually the case. I knew the so-called cabals in the Buhari administration for the few years I worked with them. They knew their limits and dared not cross them,” he said.
Gambari further described Buhari as possessing what he termed “creative stubbornness,” likening the former president’s leadership style to that of late nationalist leader, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
“He had a firm mind and once convinced about an issue, he stood by it,” he added.
The remarks come amid renewed public debate over the influence of unelected power brokers in Nigeria’s political leadership and governance processes.
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