Oyegun Opens Up On Early Concerns About Buhari’s Governing Style

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Former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), John Odigie-Oyegun, has revealed details of a private discussion he once had with former President Muhammadu Buhari shortly after the administration took office.

Speaking during an interview on Arise Television, the veteran politician reflected on concerns he had about the direction of governance in the early months of Buhari’s presidency.

Oyegun Sought Private Meeting With Buhari

According to Oyegun, he requested a one-on-one conversation with the former president less than six months after the government assumed power.

The former APC chairman explained that he became uneasy after noticing what he believed was a different governing approach from the image many Nigerians expected at the time.

He disclosed that a large section of the public anticipated a tougher and more forceful leadership style associated with Buhari’s earlier public reputation.

However, during their conversation, the former president reportedly made it clear that he intended to govern differently from the perception many people held about him.

Buhari Wanted To Lead As A Democratic President

While recounting the exchange, Oyegun stated that Buhari told him he had learned important lessons from previous experiences and did not want to rule with excessive strictness.

The former president reportedly stressed his desire to prove that he could function fully within democratic principles as a civilian leader.

Gossip News Now reports that Oyegun admitted the response caught him off guard because expectations around Buhari’s presidency were extremely high at the time.

He noted that several influential Nigerians were closely monitoring the administration during its early days, waiting to see how power and discipline would be handled under the new government.

Former APC Chairman Shares Regret

Reflecting on developments that followed, Oyegun suggested that he later became disappointed with how events unfolded within the administration.

According to him, the system eventually appeared to fall back into familiar patterns, despite the initial hope for significant reforms and stronger governance.

He implied that the exchange with Buhari remained memorable because it marked a moment when he first sensed that expectations surrounding the administration might not fully materialize.

Rather than criticizing Buhari personally, Oyegun appeared more focused on discussing the broader issue of leadership style and public expectations in governance.

ADC Figure Speaks Amid Political Realignments

The comments also come at a time when Oyegun is now associated with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), where he currently heads the party’s Policy Manifesto Committee.

His reflections have generated fresh conversations about the legacy of the Buhari administration and the internal dynamics that shaped decision-making during those years.

Political observers believe such revelations may continue influencing debates ahead of future elections, especially as former allies within the APC increasingly share differing perspectives about the party’s years in power.

Commentary And Analysis

The remarks by John Odigie-Oyegun provide another glimpse into behind-the-scenes discussions that occurred during the early stages of the Buhari administration.

His account highlights the tension that often exists between public expectations and the governing style leaders eventually adopt after assuming office.

For many Nigerians, Buhari’s presidency was built on hopes of discipline, reform, and a tougher stance on governance issues. Oyegun’s reflections suggest that even insiders within the ruling party were uncertain about how those expectations would translate into actual leadership.

The comments may also deepen ongoing political debates about accountability, leadership philosophy, and whether Nigeria’s political system allows meaningful transformation regardless of who occupies power.