Those considered as members of the powerful ‘cabal’ within the Muhammadu Buhari’s led Presidency were said to have been denied input in the selection of Abba Kyari’s successor, in person of Professor Ibrahim Gambari. A report by the Nigerian Tribune Newspaper has revealed.
The Newspapers stated that the selection of professor Gambari had been decided after the death of Mallam Abba Kyari as he had been seen as a potential aid of President Muhammadu Buhari
According to the Nigeria Tribune, when the former Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari died, the President needed a trusted ally outside the unnamed members known as ‘cabal’ and outside the group of the other contenders against the mover and shakers at the seat of power.
The source said: “The president had come very close to that decision way back after the 2019 election as he looked forward to his 2023 legacy narratives. He added that Buhari, “being a methodical person,” settled for the man who came second when he drew up the list of his potential chief of staff”
It also reported that while Gambari had not been so visible in the Buhari administration, he is touted to be among the few who the President trusted and had access to him all through the years.
Tribune sources also claimed that another factional cabal is sprouting around President Buhari with the appointment of Gambari as the Chief of Staff.
It is projected that Gambari will control the list of the aid of President Buhari which includes the National Security Adviser (NSA), Major-General Babagana Monguno and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mister Boss Mustapha. Although it is expected that staff in the villa believe these people will work hand in hand with the president erasing what used to be the case.
Professor Gambari officially reported for work on the 18th of May 2020, though was in attendance for the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting on the 13th of May 2020.
Nigerian Tribune also learnt that remnants of the cabal have resolved not to be consigned and are pulling strings around the new Chief of staff to draft and co-opt him.
