What Buhari Said and Did About Osinbajo, By Babafemi Ojudu

From public commendation to months of delegated authority, the facts tell their own story.

President Muhammadu Buhari repeatedly and publicly described Professor Yemi Osinbajo as a man of integrity, loyalty, and competence; expressed full confidence in his judgment; praised his performance as Acting President; and entrusted him with the affairs of state for extended periods — actions that speak louder than any retrospective narrative.

1. On Osinbajo’s Integrity and Character

President Buhari repeatedly described Professor Osinbajo as upright, disciplined, and incorruptible.

“Professor Yemi Osinbajo is a man of integrity, discipline, and deep commitment to the rule of law.”
— President Muhammadu Buhari, public remarks on the Vice President’s role in government (paraphrased from multiple speeches)

Buhari often singled Osinbajo out as someone whose personal values aligned closely with his own, especially on corruption and public service.

2. On Trust and Delegation of Power

Perhaps the strongest testament to Buhari’s confidence in Osinbajo was his repeated and extended delegation of presidential authority.

“I have absolute confidence in the Vice President to take decisions on my behalf.”
— President Muhammadu Buhari, during periods when Osinbajo served as Acting President (widely reported)

This was not symbolic trust. Buhari left Osinbajo in charge of the country for months at a time, more than once — an extraordinary level of confidence by Nigerian standards.

3. On Performance as Acting President

After Osinbajo’s first spell as Acting President in 2017, Buhari publicly praised his performance.

“He performed well. The country was in safe hands.”
— President Muhammadu Buhari, on Osinbajo’s tenure as Acting President

This statement was echoed privately and publicly, particularly regarding Osinbajo’s handling of:
• security briefings
• Federal Executive Council
• economic coordination

4. On Loyalty and Teamwork

Buhari often contrasted Osinbajo’s conduct with the turbulence historically associated with Nigerian vice presidents.

“Professor Osinbajo has been a loyal deputy and a dependable partner in governance.”
— Buhari, paraphrased from remarks to APC leaders and cabinet members

This was not accidental praise. Buhari was acutely aware of Nigeria’s history of fractured President–Vice President relationships, and he frequently cited Osinbajo as an exception.

5. On Competence and Continuity

Buhari repeatedly acknowledged Osinbajo’s grasp of governance and policy.

“The Vice President understands government and its challenges very well.”
— President Buhari, remarks at FEC and APC meetings (paraphrased)

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6. On Public Praise During the Campaign Period

During the period when Osinbajo was openly campaigning, Buhari made a notable remark at a Federal Executive Council meeting, observed by ministers and later reported:

“I see how hard the Vice President is working, travelling round the country.”

This was widely interpreted as public validation, not reprimand.