Ibrahim Gambari, who served as chief of staff to the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, has confirmed that Buhari relied on a “cabal.”

He clarified, however, that this was not unique to Buhari’s time in office.

Gambari made the remark during a preview of an interview with Laolu Akande, the former spokesperson to ex-Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, set to air on Friday.

Concerns over cabals in Nigerian presidencies have been long-standing, especially regarding the influence of unelected individuals on major governance and policy decisions.

These tight-knit and often discreet groups are known to influence appointments, key policies, and decisions — at times, more than formal institutions or the elected leader.

Gambari admitted that Buhari had his own small inner circle.

“I would address it honestly, and I want to and on record,” he said.

“They say there’s a cabal or was a cabal — there was, but every government has cabal. It is what they call them.

Some call it ‘kitchen cabinet’, some may call it ‘think tank’. Obasanjo had a group of people, the Aboyades of this world and others, and a small group of people.

It is the nature of the office of president that they must have some people in and out of government that they can lay their hair down, talk to freely.

So, some have more powers than others, but every government, I make it bold say, has a cabal of one kind of or whatever name it is called.”

Back in 2018, Buhari’s wife Aisha raised concerns over a few individuals allegedly wielding significant power in her husband’s administration at the expense of Nigerians.

Buhari, however, downplayed her warnings.

More recently, Solomon Dalung, a former minister, claimed that the group of insiders around President Bola Tinubu is far more dangerous, ambitious, and refined than the “clique that cocooned” Buhari.

Dalung, who served as Buhari’s youth and sports minister from 2015 to 2019, said that while Buhari’s cabal was less educated and inexperienced in politics and governance, Tinubu’s allies are “sophisticated, ambitious, and educated, with sound knowledge of power dynamics.”

He described the Tinubu cabal as the most dangerous in Nigeria’s political history.

The federal ministry of environment has alerted the public to expected flooding across eleven states between July 16 and 20.

Usman Bokani, who serves as the director of the National Flood Early Warning Centre under the ministry, issued the warning on Wednesday.

As detailed in the alert, the areas likely to be affected include Adamawa (Mubi); Akwa Ibom (Edor, Upenekang, Oron, Eket); Borno (Ngala, Maiduguri); and Bauchi (Azare, Bauchi, Itas, Jama’are, Kafin-Madaki, Jama’a, Kari, Misau).

The list also includes Cross River (Calabar, Akpap); Jigawa (Miga, Gwaram, Diginsa, Ringim, Dutse); Katsina (Daura); Kano (Kunchi, Kano, Gezawa, Wudil, Bebeji, Sumaila, Tudun Wada); Plateau (Jos, Bukuru, Mangu); Yobe (Jakusko, Machina, Dapchi); and Zamfara (Bungudu, Gusau).

Bokani encouraged state governments and all relevant bodies to implement preventive steps to minimize the impact of the anticipated floods on both lives and property.

Earlier, the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) had identified 30 states along with the federal capital territory (FCT) as areas with high flood risk in 2025.

According to the agency, 2,187 communities in 293 LGAs fall within the states categorized as moderate flood risk.

In 2024, flooding resulted in 321 deaths, affected more than 1.37 million individuals, and displaced over 740,000 people across Nigeria.

Buhari’s son became emotional as he expressed gratitude to Tinubu for honouring his father with a dignified state funeral.

Yusuf, the son of former President Muhammadu Buhari, conveyed his appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for the honour given to his late father.

He made the statement during an expanded Federal Executive Council meeting held in Abuja on Thursday in Buhari’s honour.

Yusuf, who was present at the special session alongside his siblings, extended his thanks to President Tinubu and his administration for their support to his father and family.

He also acknowledged the National Assembly, Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda, other governors, and Nigerians for their solidarity with the grieving family.

Yusuf said, “It has shown that he (Buhari) was regarded far more than a politician, but regarded as a friend and a father. To all members of the Federal Executive Council, for the care and befitting burial accorded to our late father, we appreciate you all.

I also wish to thank the Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and all the distinguished and honorable members of the National Assembly for honoring the memory of our late father during the state burial in Daura.

Your visits, calls, and prayers symbolise a great honour to the memory of our late father, and we’re sincerely grateful for all the support and solidarity extended to the family. May Allah continue to bless us all.”

Fighting back tears, Yusuf added, “Thank you, daddy. Thank you, Daddy. Thank you, Daddy. May Allah continue to bless, provide, and protect you throughout your tenure.”

Buhari passed away on Sunday at a medical facility in London.

His remains were received by Tinubu and interred in Daura, Katsina State, on Tuesday.

President Bola Tinubu paid his final respects to former President Muhammadu Buhari at the burial in Daura, Katsina State, on Tuesday, July 15, 2025.

Buhari served as Nigeria’s president from 2015 to 2023.

He was also the country’s military head of state between 1983 and 1985.

He died at the age of 82.