Former presidential spokesperson, Mallam Garba Shehu, has dismissed allegations that he betrayed former Vice President Atiku Abubakar by joining President Muhammadu Buhari’s media team in 2015.
This was as he affirmed that such a claim misrepresents the context of his transition.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja ahead of the July 9 launch of his upcoming book titled “According to the President: Lessons from a Presidential Spokesperson’s Experience,” Shehu clarified that he did not “turn his back” on Atiku but merely embraced a new opportunity that arose after political dynamics shifted within the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Shehu, who previously served as Atiku’s media adviser, explained that the formation of Buhari’s 2015 campaign team came after several aspirants in the APC presidential primaries, including Atiku, Rochas Okorocha, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and the late Sam Nda-Isaiah, consolidated their efforts under a unified media structure.
“All the aspirants, including Atiku, Rochas Okorocha, Kwankwaso, and the late Sam Nda-Isaiah, contributed their media assets to the Buhari campaign. I was part of that pool.
“The President had the grace to appoint me as campaign media director. That’s how I came on board,” Shehu stated.
Addressing why he refrained from publicly attacking Atiku despite working closely with Buhari, Shehu emphasized the importance of loyalty and credibility in political communication.
“If I had attacked Atiku, how would Buhari trust me? He would assume I could do the same to him one day,” he said.
“I learned from history. Even during the fallout between Abiola and IBB, did you hear the presidential spokesman vilify Abiola?”
Shehu noted that his forthcoming book is not a memoir but a professional guide intended for young people aspiring to careers in journalism and public relations.
According to him, it also provides an insider’s account of President Buhari’s leadership style and key policy initiatives.
“The book is meant to inspire students and professionals in journalism and PR,” he said.
“It also tells the story of what President Buhari did during his eight years in office; his policies, his character, and how he governed.”
According to Shehu, the 260-page book highlights major reforms of the Buhari administration, including the Treasury Single Account (TSA), Bank Verification Number (BVN), National Identification Number (NIN), the Tax Identification Number system, and the whistleblower policy, all of which aimed at enhancing government transparency and accountability.
He asserted that the Buhari administration laid the foundation for a more self-reliant and integrity-driven Nigeria.
“President Buhari’s legacy lies in his commitment to transparency and the groundwork he laid for a more self-sufficient nation,” Shehu stated.
Source: PUNCH