Buhari’s Former CoS Exposes Top Secret, Says Late President Had A Cabal In Aso Rock That Bypassed Directives
Prof. Ibrahim Agboola Gambari, former Chief of Staff to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, has confirmed the existence of a cabal in Aso Rock during the Buhari presidency, describing it as a recurring feature in every Nigerian administration.
Speaking on Inside Sources on Channels TV, the seasoned diplomat and scholar made stunning disclosures about the inner workings of Muhammadu Buhari’s government, the real influence of the so-called cabal, and the institutional weaknesses that allowed critical decisions to be hijacked or bypassed.
“There was a cabal in Aso Rock during Buhari’s administration—just like in every other administration,” Gambari said. “Some may call them a kitchen cabinet, others call them a think tank. Obasanjo also had a group of people like that. It’s the nature of the office of the President.”
“Every President has a circle of people, both within and outside government, that they confide in and listen to freely. Though some are more powerful than others, every government has them,” he said.
“But with Buhari, they knew their limits.”
Gambari, who served as Chief of Staff between 2020 and 2023, emphasised that although such informal power blocs exist in all governments, Buhari’s cabal was peculiar. He disclosed that some members wielded unusual influence, even managing to circumvent official channels despite Buhari’s directives.
“When I was appointed as Chief of Staff, the President made it clear that every memo must pass through my office—even the Vice President complied. Yet, some people still found ways to bypass the process. They knew the weak points—who to use—and he never stopped them,” he said.
The former UN Under-Secretary-General did not mention names. Still, his comments corroborate long-standing allegations that Buhari’s presidency was hijacked by a shadowy clique often blamed for controversial decisions and opacity in governance.
Insiders and political analysts have often pointed fingers at individuals close to Buhari, including members of his extended family and powerful aides, accused of running a parallel government.
These speculations peaked during the late stages of his presidency when ministers, lawmakers, and even governors complained about limited access to the president.
Gambari, however, stated that while the cabal existed, Buhari remained in charge, selectively.
“When some memos came back to me and we talked about certain decisions, he would immediately change some. But for others, he would say, ‘Prof., let this go—just to protect me,’” he revealed.
