Author Charles Omole Highlights Role of “Cabals” in Buhari and Tinubu Administrations
By Erewunmi Peace
Dr. Charles Omole, author of From Soldier to Statesman: The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari, has raised concerns about the influence of powerful inner circles — often referred to as “cabals” — in Nigerian governance.
In an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Omole explained that every Nigerian president since 1999 has had groups around them that influence policy and decision-making. He said the Buhari administration had a dominant cabal that shaped the information reaching the president. In the current Tinubu administration, Omole noted that multiple cabals exist, each pursuing distinct interests.
According to Omole, while these groups can sometimes assist governance, they also risk creating conflicts if their agendas diverge from national priorities. He identified at least five influential groups operating around the Tinubu presidency.
Political analysts say Omole’s remarks highlight ongoing debates about transparency, accountability, and the role of unelected power brokers in Nigeria’s governance. Experts emphasize that the term “cabal” reflects influence networks, and should not be interpreted as direct allegations of security breaches or espionage.
