In a recent interview, Lai Mohammed explained the high-stakes negotiations that shaped Nigeria’s current political landscape.
He revealed that the APC coalition almost didn't happen because of a 2011 "ego clash" and tactical disagreement between the ACN and the CPC.
In 2011, Tinubu’s team was willing to join Buhari’s platform and even use their colors, but they demanded the Vice Presidential slot in return.
Since Buhari refused to drop his chosen running mate, Tunde Bakare, the talks collapsed, and the opposition remained divided.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) was later formed by bringing together three main groups: the ACN (Tinubu), the CPC (Buhari), and the ANPP.
Lai Mohammed noted that 2012 was the "crystal clear" moment when both leaders put aside their differences to create a winning machine for the 2015 elections.
