Buhari Preferred Mamora As Running Mate, Not Osinbajo – Mustapha

The former secretary to the government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha has revealed that ex-president, Muhammadu Buhari once contemplated choosing Senator Adeleke Olurunnimbe Mamora as his vice-presidential candidate.

Speaking at a dinner in Abuja, hosted by the Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) led by Mr. Akinbode Oluwafemi, Mustapha said that Mamora was highly valued by Buhari during his time in the federal executive council.

According to The Guardian, Mustapha, however, did not make clear whether Buhari’s consideration of Mamora was before his second term or during the 2015 election preparations.

There were claims that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, then All Progressives Congress (APC) leader, reportedly proposed Prof Yemi Osinbajo for the vice-president role.

Highlighting Buhari’s trust in Mamora, Mustapha noted Buhari’s appointments for Mamora, including as Minister of Science and Technology and previously as Minister of State for Health.

Mamora’s roles in the APC campaign council for both the 2015 and 2019 elections further underscore this trust.

Describing Mamora, Mustapha praised him as a genuine and down-to-earth individual.

He added, “He is simple and an ordinary man. He treats you with every iota of respect. When he spoke at the Federal Executive Council (FEC), we all listened carefully because his analysis of the issues at the state was in-depth. On each subject matter, he has a contribution to make.

“He is an all-rounder. You (Mamora) have served Niger well, you are a gift to the nation. We will draw from the reservoir of your knowledge and ability. Don’t see you going into retirement. We believe you would still be called upon to serve again.”

CAPPA’s Executive Director, Akinbode, awarded Mamora for his steadfast dedication to public health, particularly for his significant role in the enactment of the National Tobacco Control Act (NTCA).

Mamora’s efforts to regulate sugar-sweetened beverages and transfats were also highlighted by Akinbode as key reasons for the award.

He urged other leaders in Nigeria to follow Mamora’s example in driving positive change.

Reflecting on the challenges faced during the NTCA’s establishment, Mamora, a two-term senator, shared the intense opposition from lobbyists backed by tobacco companies in both Senate and House chambers.

Drawing from his vast experience in public service, Mamora emphasized the importance of creating a meaningful legacy as “power remains transient”.

He stated, “Public office is public trust. It’s about your ability to influence decisions positively. We should aim to make a difference so that people remember us fondly.”

Distinguished guests at the event included former Ogun state governor, Senator Gbenga Daniel, ex-women affairs minister, Paulen Tallen, and various current and past government officials, health experts, and representatives from civil society organizations.